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CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT
Whānau: voices of Aotearoa, far from home
Whānau: voices of Aotearoa, far from home
As the arts continue to suffer internationally due to this pandemic, New Zealand’s UK based opera singers are coming together to record a concert of purely NZ/Māori/Pasifika songs to be broadcast and shared internationally from the Royal Albert Hall this November!
From what started as just a simple idea of performing again, has grown into something that is bringing dozens of performers together from NZ and London to share and celebrate our country, culture, and what unites us.
In the meantime, here is a little clip of a few of us singing Pokarekare Ana from the old roman wall in London. In singing this song, we acknowledge the Kaitito Waiata (composer) Paraire Tomoana and the Ngāti Kahungunu iwi (tribe) for this taonga (gift) which has now become
a beloved unofficial anthem of all New Zealanders home and abroad. The Waiata was popularised by Māori soldiers who volunteered and fought in the First World War in Europe. If there were ever an occasion where music emboldened people
and triumphed over abject circumstance, the birth of this song would serve as an ultimate example. We are honoured to contribute in our small way to its continuance and celebration, in order that it’s legacy remain one of hope and unity.
Huge thanks to the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, @RoyalAlbertHall , @FANZArts, @radionz Concert without whom we couldn’t be performing, and the ongoing support of our colleagues and friends back in NZ: Auckland Opera Studio, @NZSO , NZO, CMNZ, APO, and all our family and friends.
Please join us for the release of this concert, set for broadcast later in November, to enjoy some of NZ’s finest opera singers and musicians performing a stunning concert of NZ/Māori/Pasifika songs and ensembles.
Please consider donating to help each one of these world class singers/musicians through this incredibly tough time, and we hope you enjoy this concert: our ode to Aotearoa/New Zealand.
