Arjuna Oakes (singer), John Psathas (piano), Orchestra Wellington conducted by Marc Taddei
Arjuna Oakes is a young-singer New Zealand songwriter currently living in London where he’s been producing Eps of songs as well as creating music for theatre. In 2020, he was the recipient of the NZ Arts Foundations’ inaugural Spring Board Award, which came with a mentorship with any of their alumni, and Arjuna chose John Psathas.
Together the pair wrote a series of songs, and in this concert they perform ‘A Safe Way to Fall’. The song was written at a Bach among the sand dunes of Waitarere while Arjuna and John improvising at the piano. At the end of the day the song was written and recorded. John describes the process gave it an ‘in the moment’ feel. It was later orchestrated for Arjuna to sing with Orchestra Wellington with John at the piano.
The song is an exploration of what it means to be vulnerable and yearning to create a space where yourself and others can express themselves truthfully.
Arjuna Oakes is an accomplished singer/songwriter, pianist, composer and producer from New Zealand, currently based in London. Arjuna's latest two releases ‘Future Lullaby’ and ‘Sierra’ were created with mentor and renowned Greek/Kiwi composer John Psathas. Arjuna was a composer in residence for Orchestra Wellington in 2023, performing 'Safe Way To Fall' with John Psathas. Aside from releasing recorded projects, Arjuna has also scored a Theatre show, composed for a string quintet and performed extensively around the New Zealand touring and festival circuit.
Recorded by RNZ Concert at the Michael Fowler Centre, 03 June, 2023
Producer, engineer: David Houston
