Rob Thorne (Ngāti Tumutumu) is a diverse and original explorer in the evolving journey of taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments), fusing these ancient voices with modern sounds and technology to create long, beautifully transcendent, ambient compositions using loops, intelligently blending the modern with the ancient. 

As a composer, performer, improvisor, collaborator, anthropologist, Rob’s journey of identity has seen him research museum collections, teach and lecture, present and demonstrate taonga puoro. His museum exhibition “Kōauau: The Music Within”, toured Aotearoa for five years and awakened many to the natural ease with which the instruments can be made and played.