Vivaldi gets Pacific colour

Loata Mahe practises for the opening of Pasifika tonight. Picture / Greg Bowker

A festival celebrating all things Pacific, and a venue better known for the sound of stockcars, are hardly places where one would expect to hear the music of an 18th century Italian composer.

But Vivaldi will make a special appearance at tonight's Pasifika Festival opening concert at Western Springs Park, courtesy of Tongan violinist Loata Mahe.

Mahe, 22, was invited to play after her performance at last year's Pacific Business Trust Awards.

The Auckland University music student - who has been playing the violin for about 17 years - will play Spring, from The Four Seasons.

Mahe was born in New Zealand but both her parents are Tongan and she describes her heritage as "my backbone".

The violin is not something that features strongly in Polynesian culture, but Mahe hopes her playing may prompt others to pick up the instrument.

"I am hoping it will inspire young Pacific Islanders to have a go at something different, something that's different from the norm."

Mahe says her Tongan heritage inspires her violin playing.

"I think it gives me stamina to keep going - being really strong-willed to go against the odds. I am very grateful for the opportunity to share my music."

As well as classical music, tonight's opening concert features song and dance numbers - from hip hop and rap, to reggae and soul - focusing on the cultural roots of the various Pacific Island cultures.

Now in its 14th year, Pasifika promises to be bigger than ever in 2006, with record sponsorship, says organiser Mere Lomaloma Elliott.

"It's a day of culture, you can't help but feel the excitement and the energy."

The festival gets bigger every year, thanks mainly to a growing acceptance and interest in Polynesian culture, Mrs Elliott says.

The best way to make the most of a visit to Pasifika is to go to all the cultural villages for a first-hand look at "what's unique, and what is common" to all Polynesian cultures.

"If you have a lot of time on your hands, take the time to visit all the stages. Spend the day there and immerse yourself in everything that is Pasifika."
Up to nine villages will be set up at the show, eight of which will showcase Pacific Islands food, handicrafts and performances.

The ninth village will feature information from Government and tertiary organisations, as well as dance competitions, new entertainers and craft and food stalls.

Tonight's concert begins at 7.30pm and runs to 9.30pm. The festival runs from 10am to 5pm tomorrow.