Musical Beats Reverberate Round the Festival

Musical Beats Reverberate Round the Festival

Classical, rock, brass and Pacific Island were just some of the musical beats reverberating around Lake Wanaka yesterday on the fourth day of the Southern Lakes Festival of Colour.

Over one and a half thousand people crowded into the town’s main street to listen to top New Zealand band Goldenhorse. Playing songs from both their new album and their record-breaking first album, Riverhead, the band had the street jumping to their powerful mix of swing, funky bass lines and all out rock. Children danced and

Earlier in the day, leading classical pianist, Michael Houstoun, provided a rare treat for lovers of classical music with a programme featuring J S Bach’s French Overture in B Minor and F Schubert’s Moments Musicaux.

Saturday also marked the world premiere of musical theatre, King & Country. In a powerful performance that moved the audience to tears, the play told the stories of New Zealand soldiers, nurses and civilians during World War I. The actors were joined in on stage by 25 members of New Zealand’s oldest brass band, the Ascot Park Hotel Brass Band, playing songs from the era.

The day of music finished with a high-energy performance from Te Vaka. Their exciting fusion of Pacific Island rhythms and pop rock combined to make an electrifying performance in the Infinity Pacific Crystal Palace. Their lively combination of dance, music and traditional log drums transported the audience from a wintry night in Wanaka to the vibrant atmosphere of the Southern Seas.

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