Composers comp delayed

Te Mire Atu 2010 composer’s competition night has been pushed back to the end of March with many of the island’s songwriters getting in behind the Aitutaki relief effort.

The competition was originally scheduled for Thursday March 4 and will now be held at the National Auditorium on Wednesday March 31.

Te Mire Atu coordinator Rutera Taripo told Cook Islands News that many of the Ministry of Culture staff are on Aitutaki helping with the clean up and recovery on the island.

He adds that the 11 composers writing new songs for this year’s competition are pleased with the change as it will give them more time to help their families on Aitutaki and to polish up their compositions.

The confirmed 11 composers working on new songs for the composer’s competition are Curly George, Tuaine Unuia, Glassie Matata, Teariki Adam, Tuakeu Harry Papai, Tuakana Makara, Upokoina Teiotu, Travel Moeara, Poti Maeva, Tuwunga Mataora and last year’s winning composer Pastor Eliu Eliu.

Of the list of confirmed composers, seven are newcomers to the annual composer’s competition while four are accomplished song writers.

Te Mire Atu is shaping up to be a fantastic event and those wanting to know more about the event can contact Rutera Taripo at the Ministry of Culture.

- Matariki Wilson