Opera in the Pā to honour First World War centenary

Opera in the Pā to honour First World War centenary

The iconic Opera in the Pā will return to Te Puia’s Rotowhio Marae on Saturday 21 March and this year will honour the First World War centenary.

Opera in the Pā is organised by a Charitable Trust, in conjunction with Te Puia. This year’s programme pays tribute to the World War One Māori Pioneer Battalion, with particular acknowledgement of Rotorua’s 28th Māori Battalion men from the Second World War.

Concert-goers will also be given a remembrance poppy upon arrival to place at the base of a unique memorial pou at the end of the event. The pou is being carved by the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, based at Te Puia, and will eventually be installed at a significant historical location to acknowledge the 2015 ANZAC centenary.

MC’d since its inception by well-known New Zealand broadcaster and entertainer Max Cryer, and under the musical direction of University of Auckland teaching fellow, Robert Wiremu, the Opera in the Pā programme includes a number of veteran and up-and-coming singers including Deborah Wai Kapohe (soprano), Stephen Diaz (alto), Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua (tenor), Benson Wilson (baritone) and Rotorua local, Elisha Hulton (mezzo-soprano).

New to this year’s programme, well-known opera arias will be sung in te reo Māori.

Opera in the Pā Committee chair, Trevor Maxwell, says the event is a unique and captivating way to be part of the First World War centenary – showcasing songs from that period as well as a screening of historical photos at intermission.

“Opera in the Pā is an inspirational and spine-tingling event. This year it offers a chance to consider the First World War’s impact – whether reflecting on the nature of war, remembering family members who served, or thinking about how communities were affected by events long ago.

“Bringing Opera in the Pā back to where it all began, to such a special and beautiful setting, is wonderful. It’s an experience like nothing else.”

Te Puia’s Kiri Atkinson-Crean says Te Puia is excited to host the iconic event’s return.

“Our marae setting and backdrop of bush and hills, steam from the geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs creates a magical atmosphere that takes the music to a whole new level.”

Various food stalls will be on-site with a range of ethnic options. Visitors can also bring their own picnic and a full bar service will be available.

Tickets cost $25 per seat and are available from Te Puia Admissions or online, http://bit.ly/1ArU6Lk. Children under 15 years can have free entry, with a grass area available in front of the stage for their seating. Gates open from 6 pm, with the entertainment kicking off at 7:30 pm.

Opera in the Pā was first held at Te Puia 18 years ago. Last held there in 2011, around 1000 people from New Zealand and as far away as England and the United States gathered on the marae for the show.

For regular updates, please ‘like’ the Opera in the Pā Facebook page, http://on.fb.me/1z05lp0.

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