Dame Kiri concert to get TV airing

MAORI Television has announced that it will screen this month’s New Zealand Symphony Orchestra concert that features East Coast-born star soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
Now based in England, Dame Kiri returns to New Zealand for the one-off concert that, an NZSO spokeswoman says, “will in a single glorious night capture all the magic of her stellar career”.
“In an evening of glittering spectacle, Dame Kiri will take us through an itinerary of great classics, popular favourites and some of the treasures of New Zealand’s own musical heritage,” the spokeswoman continued.
The concert will also feature guests including Kiwi baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes and rising star Kawiti Waetford, and Maori TV plans to bring in Manutuke broadcaster Matai Smith to present the television version.
Meanwhile, after last week’s announcement that she had agreed to be patron of Gisborne’s War Memorial Theatre, rumours are rife that Dame Kiri (pictured) will some time in the future return for a hometown performance — her first since singing at the Millennium dawn celebrations in 2000.
Mayor Meng Foon said her patronage would be a key factor in fundraising initiatives to gather the around $6 million required to upgrade the Gisborne theatre.
Fundraising for the development will be launched at the end of November in conjunction with start of the Gisborne International Music Competition.
“To raise the necessary funds we need a high profile patron,” Foon said. “I thought why not go for the highest-profile artist to come out of this district — arguably out of this country — Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.”
For her part, Dame Kiri said she was delighted to have been invited.
“Over the years I have been involved with many organisations all around the world, but to be honoured in this way with a wonderful Gisborne-based project is very special,” she said. “I have many happy memories of my early life in Gisborne and then later working with the Waihirere Maori Club in London for my 50th birthday and at the Millennium concert.”
Providing a community asset of the size and complexity of the proposed upgraded theatre would only be possible with considerable effort from members of the Gisborne community, Dame Kiri added.
“I have reviewed the plans for the theatre,” she said, “and I am sure it will be a catalyst to inspire young talented singers, actors and musicians to seriously consider careers in their art forms.”
■ Dame Kiri Te Kanawa with the NZ Symphony Orchestra: A Gala Concert will screen on Maori Television on October 23 (6pm).