nā pōkiʻi — cello and piano (2024)
Commissioned by The Bardin-Niskala Duo, duration 7’
nā pōki‘i weaves three fragments—the Hawaiian National Anthem, the fragmented beginning of a children’s song usually sung as a round, and a birdsong—leaving them all unanswered. Hawai‘i Pono‘ī translates as “Hawai‘i’s own [people].” In the second verse of Hawai‘i Pono‘ī, Kalākaua encourages Hawai‘i’s own not only to look to their leaders, but also to those after them: the flowers / children of Hawai‘i, affectionately referring to all of them as pōki‘i, or “closely related younger cousin[s], often spoken affectionately.” The work asks if these different calls for connection will remain unanswered, leaving sense of longing.
The Bardin-Niskala Duo is a classical cello and piano duo comprised of cellist An-Lin Bardin and pianist Naomi Niskala.
Past Performances
Friday, October 18, 2024 — The Bardin-Niskala Duo performs nā pōki‘i at Truman University, Kirksville, MO
Tuesday, September 25, 2024 — World Premiere of nā pōki‘i by The Bardin-Niskala Duo, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA