The full programme remains under wraps until Monday, when it will be launched at a function in Wānaka.
Starting April’s lineup is the "Tower of Song" session featuring songwriters Adam McGrath, of Christchurch, folk group The Eastern, former Fur Patrol front-woman Julia Deans and critically acclaimed Wellington singer Ebony Lamb.
The session will be hosted by music reviewer, writer and broadcaster Grant Smithies.
The four-day, 14-event programme brings high-calibre speakers, writers, thinkers and artists to Wānaka to ignite discussion on current affairs and art practices.
Previously a sister festival to the two-yearly Festival of Colour, Aspiring Conversations was being planned as an annual event before event organisers had to put it on hold during the Covid pandemic.
The "Tower of Song" guests will give insights on early experiences that set them on their musical paths.
They will also discuss their most cherished songs, talk about creating great songs and give renditions of their favourite compositions.
"Songwriters are human barometers compelled to make sense of the world. Some songs take three or four minutes, and some years. Writing music is something I’m compelled to do," Lamb said.
"It’s a mysterious gift that can be incredibly powerful and even life-changing for the writer and the receiver."
Aspiring Conversations
April 4-7, 2024
Lake Wānaka Centre, Wānaka
