Tauranga musical shows pay tribute to Christchurch shooting victims

The "unprecedented" outpouring of grief after the Christchurch shootings has prompted local musicians to offer free memorial performances as a tribute to the victims.

Chalium Poppy, musical director of the Scholars Baroque Aotearoa choir of Tauranga, is organising two special performances of John Rutter's Requiem at St Peter's Anglican Church in Mount Maunganui at 7.30pm on March 30 and 2.30pm on March 31. The performances are free to attend but donations are welcome.

Poppy, who is also an organist and choirmaster at St Peter's Anglican Church, said the idea for the musical memorial performances came during a discussion with fellow choir members and other musicians.

"The outpouring of grief and people wanting to do something to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in Christchurch has been unprecedented," he said.

"As local musicians, we also wanted to respond in some way to the nation's sense of grief, and we felt the best way we could do that is through music.

"This is not only the chance for the community to come together to listen to one of the most moving and deepest pieces of music but also to take the opportunity for reflection.

"I hope that the beauty I find within can reach the souls of others."

People were still struggling to make sense of what happened, he said.

"In the midst of something so negative, these performances are the chance to share something beautiful in this time of absolute horror and tragedy."

Chalium Poppy, the musical director of the Scholars Baroque Aotearoa choir is organising two musical memorial tribute performances at St Peter's Anglican Church. Photo / File

Poppy said he hoped the performances would bring together the collective voices of possibly 100 singers, with a small group of musicians, with him playing the organ.

Musicians and other local choirs in Tauranga were invited to take part and have already agreed to donate their time, he said.

Poppy had also invited members of the local Muslim community to attend.

Anyone who wished to make a donation to support the relief efforts in Christchurch would also have the opportunity to do so.

St Peter's Anglican vicar Reverend Christine Scott said as a musician herself, she was 100 per cent behind the memorial performances.

"This is another way for the Tauranga community to show our support for those who have been tragically affected by the events in Christchurch."