Choristers to sing again in Ohakune

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 683, 22 April 1997, Page 1

Choristers to sing again in Ohakune

Ohakune will again be filled with song this Queen's Birthday weekend when Sing Aotearoa, the third triennial three day national festival of song, returns. The festrval will attract over 400 singers, conductors, composers and associates into the region confirmed festival co-director Graham Hoffman yesterday. Ruapehu College will again become the central meeting point with festival participants being housed by local hotels, motels, chalets and other accommodation options. Maungarongo Marae will continue its role as spiritual home for the Festival which aims to bring people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds together through music and the exploration of song, said Mr Hoffman. This year's festival highlights include the arrival of guest conductor Dr Andre Thomas, Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music Education at the Florida State University School of Music (USA). At Sing Aotearoa he will lead the Massed Festival Chorus, take workshop sessions and grve master classes in choral conducting. Graham Hoffman, Festival co-director noted that Sing Aotearoa is well situated at Ohakune which offered a magnificent mountain backdrop and scenic beauty alongside a small and supportive community. "Ohakune creates a natural stage and setting and for many the charming small town location is fundamental to their participation and enjoyment," said Hoffman. Throughout the Festival the artists in residence will be the New Zealand National Youth Choir and from Auckland the outstanding kapa haka group, Te Waka Huia.