Matariki offers us the opportunity to reconnect with the universe … with the sun, the moon and the stars … and to contemplate time, memory, life, death, darkness and light. Matariki also offers us an opportunity to connect with each other in the present. Opera North is delighted to be able to share our love of music with our communities, through coming together and celebrating in song. Music and song have been part of the fabric of all our lives from long before history began.
This Matariki, Opera North will present a selection of gorgeous opera numbers, originally written and traditionally performed in French, Italian and German, but here translated into Te Reo Māori (specifically for our choir) by the muliti-talented, and much loved, Kawiti Waetford. In some pieces, the sung language changes but the sentiments remain the same, in others the spirit of the originals remain but the translation creates new meaning. Te Reo Māori is a perfect language for opera - come hear for yourselves!
This rejuvenation of an artform that is shared across centuries, and is sung around the world in more and more languages every year, is Opera North’s contribution to the unbroken threads of sound that make up a rich, universal chorus.
Mānawa maiea a Matariki, Puanga.
Mānawa maiea te mātahi o te tau.
Let us celebrate Matariki and Puanga.
Celebrate the rising of the New Year.
Performances
27th May 8am Te Iwitahi - First performance as part of the opening ceremony for Matariki celebrations (2 songs)
29th May 7:30pm Whangarei Night Library - Second performance (3 songs)
14th June 3:30pm in collaboration with the tour of Hawaii based La Sorrellanza at Hihiaua Cultural centre - a full concert of both choirs and musicians
22nd June 6pm Old Library/outdoor courtyard - our final performance! We invite all current and historic members and families to join us for a Matariki feast