Composer Mary Celeste and starling Matisse. Photo: Supplied / Mary Celeste
It's a celebration of birdsong this weekend at Nelson Centre of Music Arts, in a concert curated by composer Mary Celeste.
The central work is her composition "Motet for a starling called Matisse", inspired by her pet starling of nearly 12 years. Written between 2020 and 2025, Celeste’s motet tells the story of their life together in the composer’s home in Nelson.
Mary Celeste talks with RNZ Concert's Clarissa Dunn about this and other works in the concert, and how she and Matisse first met.
"When she sits on my shoulder and sings her full song in my ear, I just feel like the most privileged person in the world."
Photo: Supplied / Mary Celeste
