The Manukau Symphony Orchestra is proud to bring you a recording of the world premiere of Salina Fisher’s Kintsugi for Orchestra.

The work was commissioned by the Manukau Symphony Orchestra and funded by the Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust.

Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. All the pieces of a broken bowl or pot are carefully jointed back together with gold-dusted urushi (lacquer). Rather than hiding the damage, kintsugi celebrates all the cracks or ‘scars’ for the unique history that they represent. The object is more beautiful for having been broken.

Salina Fisher writes: I am personally drawn to kintsugi for a metaphor for embracing ‘brokenness’ and imperfection as a source of strength. This piece – originally for piano trio is my expression and exploration of kintsugi, and involves musical fragmentation, fragility, mending and finding beauty in the ‘cracks.’

While writing this piece, I was very fortunate to meet Wellington-based Japanese ceramicist and kintsugi practitioner Kumiko Jacolin. I am grateful to Kumiko for her work and our discussions on Japanese philosophy in ceramics that have been influential in my creative process.

Performing this work was an exciting challenge for the orchestra, and the MSO is extremely proud of its musicians for bringing this beautiful work to life. The MSO wishes to thank Salina Fisher, the Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust, Auckland Council, Four Winds Foundation, Creative Communities, Pub Charity, Freemasons Foundation, Waka Pacific Trust, Due Drop Events Centre, Multi-Media and its wonderful Patron and donors for their support.