New Zealand Army Band plays Pukeahu War Memorial Park

The New Zealand Army Band plays Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this weekend

Current and former New Zealand Army Band members are joining together in a tribute to the fallen on Saturday and on Sunday for a free public concert at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

“This weekend presents an opportunity to hear some of New Zealand’s finest military musicians and vocalists perform,” said Brodie Stubbs, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

“The band has a top-class international reputation performing for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the 2012 60thDiamond Jubilee Pageant, Windsor Castle and in 2016 the band was a stand-out at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Wellington.

“Since its formation in 1964 the band has built a reputation for versatile and innovative musical performance.

“We’re delighted to have the band led by Major Graham Hickman, plus 26 former band members, with us again this weekend after their successful concert in the Park in December.

“Saturday’s event will be a fitting musical tribute to the fallen and the concert on Sunday will see the band showcase its broad repertoire including swing, jazz, pop and rock.

“Families are welcome to bring a rug and a picnic to this event,” Brodie Stubbs said.

The weekend programme is:
Saturday 14 April, 4.45-5.05pm, Anzac Square
Musical tribute to the fallen including an evening hymn, victory drum roll, and the Last Post bugle call superimposed over traditional military music.
The Ode to the Fallen will be recited in Māori and English at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

Sunday 15 April, 1.30-3.30pm, Anzac Square
Past and present members of the New Zealand Army Band present a free, family friendly concert.

Afterwards people are invited to stay for the 5.00pm Last Post ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. On Sundays the story of a New Zealander who served in the First World War is read at the ceremony.

More information about the New Zealand Army Band based in Christchurch is available at: http://www.army.mil.nz/about-us/who-we-are/nz-army-band/default.htm
More information about the Last Post ceremony is on Manatū Taonga’s website: http://mch.govt.nz/content/daily-last-post-ceremony

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