Matariki is a special time of renewal and hope just as winter is at its coldest and the nights are long. This is when the star cluster makes its first appearance in the morning sky and provides an opportunity to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future.
One perfect way of doing just that was the Waiata Anthems in Concert – a delightful evening where the fantastic Auckland Philharmonia joined with MOHI, Jordyn with a Why, Geneva AM and Ngā Tapuwae Kapa Haka for one amazing night of music.
Under the baton of the energetic David Kay, this concert kicked off with one of the most rousing performances our national anthem I’ve ever seen. Two verses in reo by Ngā Tapuwae Kapa Haka got the evening off to a proud and emotional start.
Now I’ve never seen the three main singers in a live setting before and I was incredibly impressed by their charm and talent. All three of them have beautiful voices and each their own particular style on stage. MOHI seems the kind of guy who likes to have a relaxed time and just seems to love singing. Jordyn has sophistication, poise and a keen fashion sense. Geneva with her soaring voice has a very fun vibe.
The waiata performed ran the gamut of kiwi music both Māori and pakeha and almost off of them sung in reo the remainder a mix of reo and English.
It would be hard to pick favourites in the lineup of performances as every single piece was incredibly satisfying.
There were sweet and joyous moments such as the very uplifting Māku Anō, the tender delivery of Tami Nielsen’s Roimata /Cry Myself To Sleep, and an emotional rendering of Bic Runga’s Haere Mai Rā / Sway.
There were also moments that felt transformational such as Geneva AM’s Toitū Te Tiriti – a breathtaking clarion call to rangitahi accompanied by the glorious sounds of the APOs string section. MOHI brought depth and a soulful strength to Tiki Taane’s Kei Tōku Ngākau Nei Koe and Teeks’ E Kore Rawa E Wehe. Stan Walker’s Tēnā Rā Koe/ Thank You had poignancy with a flawless performance by Jordyn with a Why.
Don McGlashan’s Kōrukutia / Bathe in the River, was the final song in the set list and was, despite my comment earlier, my favourite of the night with its glorious harmonies and orchestration.
The Auckland Philharmonia never disappoints and what they brought to these songs was a rich and expansive soundscape. With a full orchestra the songs were even more resonant and touching, at times providing a gentle background and in others such as the aforementioned Bathe in the River the music soared and filled the entire hall.
Waiata Anthems in Concert was a gorgeous evening of music that deserved the standing ovation it received.
Picture credit – Thomas Hamill
Note – Waiata Anthems in Concert is delivered by Auckland Philharmonia in collaboration with APRA Aotearoa on behalf of Waiata Anthems. Presented in association with Kapiti Ice Cream and Auckland Live, with support from One Foundation and FLAVA.