Ohakune hosts Choral singers

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 508, 19 October 1993, Page 6

Ohakune hosts Choral singers

Once again Ohakune will echo with song as well as skiers as singers from all over New Zealand arrive to attend the 1993 Sing Aotearoa Festival this Labour Weekend. The 1993 Festival features invitation performances and the premiere of Jenny McLeod's He Iwi Kotahi Tatou, We are One People, for Maori, chamber and massed choirs, which has been dedicated to Maungarongo Marae.

"Sing Aotearoa provides an opportunity to really explore and create an all embracing New Zealand choral sound," said Festival convener Graham Hoffman. "The festival enables singers from different cultural backgrounds to come together in a stunning natural setting to gain first hand contact and tuition from some of our most experienced and highly regarded music educators. It is a truly unforgettable experience".

Guest conductor, Robert Sund, Sweden's choir leader of the year, joins the festival to conduct the combined singing sessions, together with many of New Zealand's top musical leaders, who between them will give over 70 workshops including sessions on vocal technique, style, repertoire, Maori waiata and New Zealand choral composition. The festival also includes nature walks, movement, childrens

and literature programmes, instruction in Alexander Technique, an exhibition of small items of exquisite craft brought together from all over the country and, as in 1990, an exciting excursion to sing on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. Organised by the Sing Aotearoa Council on behalf of the New Zealand Choral Federation, the festival has the backing of the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council, Ruapehu District Council, Kodak

New Zealand Ltd and the patronage of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Sir Edmund Hillary. "Dame Kiri represents our cultural voice and Sir Edmund highlights the courage needed to break new ground. Sing Aotearoa aims to do both," said Mr Hoffman. Registrations have been received from as far away as Dunedin and Keri Keri and include singing enthusiasts, community and school choirs. "In Ohakune

continued support from local community organisations and individuals for Sing Aotearoa has been tremendous," said Mr Hoffman. "The assistance and input received from

Ruapehu College and Maungarongo Marae at the 1990 Festival has almost become legend in the choral movement and certainly erisured that even after three years we'd be back again".