The complete collection of all of Leon Gray's fabulous and celebratory anthems for Matariki - Māori New Year, a joyous holiday in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Choral Anthems for Matariki contains all nine of Gray's anthems, each one corresponding to the nine stars of the Matariki (Pleaides) cluster which is seen in winter in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Using rich four-part harmony, lively piano accompaniments, and an overwhelming sense of joy, the complete work take around 40 minutes. Full of beautiful tunes and memorable arrangements:

Matariki, the Mother
Pōhutukawa, for the Passed
Tupuānuku, for Food Below
Tupuārangi, for Food Above
Waitī, for Fresh Water
Waitā, for Sea Water
Waipuna-ā-rangi, for the Rain
Ururangi, for the Wind
Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the Wishing Star

Perfect for any Matariki concerts you have planned in you community, OR any concert around the world where a concert wishes to celebrate hope, families, loss or the environment.
Enjoy this celestial treat and sing heartily!

01 Matariki, The Mother

My Grandfather's Hands (MASTER)

On Your Way

Freedom Flies

With their eyes on you all of the time
Is it so odd to think that you are still mine?

With women bowing and men holding doors, 
Is it so odd to think that I am still yours?

Likely could have been any other
Certainly then we wouldn’t be the same

I want to take you the forest pool that reflects the harvest moon
I want to take you to the library and find the quietest room

And read the hidden passage in the ancient rhyming song
And hear the simple message that so many get so wrong

Likely could have been any other
Certainly then we would never be the same

Are these notions, my love,
Anthing to be made of?
I always find my way home to you again.

January 2024

Likely Could Have Been Any Other

This Kiss

This Kiss (Acoustic)

Airport

why does it feel I'm breaking wrong
no shaking free, no moving on
I'm still defined by who loves me
who loves me not
and still I signed the dotted line
for what I bought

if I'm imperfect for you
it's still the best that I can do
when will I stop trying 
to be something I'm not
maybe somewhere in between
what we were and what we'll be
I'll learn to love the perfect lesson
that I got

who else to blame, who else to show
I lost my aim, I lost the bow
my head is cruel, my head is mean, my head is full
no one to fool, no one to scream it from my skull

if I'm imperfect for you
it's still the best that I can do
when will I stop trying 
to be something I'm not
maybe somewhere in between
what we are and what will be
I'll learn to love the perfect lesson 
that I got

the second hand is slowing down
there's no more second chances now

I'm not perfect for you
and it's the best that I can do
when will I stop trying 
to see something I'm not
maybe somewhere in between
who we are and who we'll be
I'll learn to love the perfect lesson
that I got
may I love the imperfection 
that I fought

Somewhere In Between

Rose

Time To Come Together Now

Classical accompanist of choirs & performance groups, conductor of musicals & choirs, composer in a variety of classical & pop styles, arranger & editor, theorist, educator & resource developer, regular gigging pianist with jazzy 5-piece.

01 Matariki, The Mother

Leon Gray Music

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