Canterbury Pianist Pays Tribute to the Fallen
Canterbury Pianist Pays Tribute to the Fallen
Watch on Facebook // Watch on YouTube
Canterbury pianist Kris Baines has released a captivating new rendition of the New Zealand National Anthem, in honour of those who served and gave their lives in combat. Filmed in a variety of stunning locations around Canterbury, the video also includes a touching war memorial scene in which a father shares the legacy of a fallen great grandfather.
Baines says reflective music and natural beauty are combined in the video to better communicate the depth of feeling behind the words to ‘God Defend New Zealand’. “I have a great love for our national anthem, and find its key themes of divine defence and freedom a fitting tribute to those who fought and died for that freedom.”
The video has been endorsed by WW100, the national group arranging World War One centennial events throughout New Zealand, and has gained over 6,000 views within the first three days on Facebook. Baines, who writes and records solo piano compositions from his Canterbury-based studio, says the video has received heartfelt comments and endorsements from Kiwis and non-Kiwis alike.