Breathtaking backdrop for opera at Rotowhio Marae

Opera in the Pa chairman Trevor Maxwell prepares to honour Maori Battalion members this weekend. Photo / File

The directors behind Opera in the Pa only have to think about the musical programme - the surroundings at Te Puia offer a natural backdrop more breathtaking than many theatres can imagine.

This year is the 15th performance at Rotowhio Marae at Te Puia, and once again the artists will be shrouded in steam from the geothermal valley.

The 2015 edition of Opera in the Pa will honour the brave men of the famous World War I Maori Pioneer Battalion, showcasing songs from that period, with particular acknowledgement of Rotorua's 28th Maori Battalion men from World War II.

Opera in the Pa chairman Trevor Maxwell said the city's three surviving battalion members were all invited as guests of honour and he hoped they would be able to enjoy the night.

"Their sacrifices are something we can never repay so we, as a community, still remember them," he said.

Concert-goers will be given a remembrance poppy upon arrival at the event, to be placed at a memorial that is currently being carved.

That carving is expected to be finished later in the year.

The line-up features national and international opera stars.

Musical director Robert Wiremu has been working with Deborah Wai Kapohe (soprano), Elisha Hulton (mezzo), Stephen Diaz (alto), Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua (tenor) and Benson Wilson (baritone).

Among the arias there will be some being performed in te reo Maori for the first time.

"It's a beautiful setting there among the geysers and steam," Mr Maxwell said.

"We don't have to put up a backdrop.

"When we first started people asked us what we knew about opera. We like to put on something that's affordable to our community, they don't have to go to Auckland or Wellington for culture."

As well as the music and spine-tingling setting, there will also be Rotorua Night Market food vendors on-site with a range of local and ethnic offerings.

And for the first-time in Opera in the Pa history, the audience can bring their own picnic to enjoy.

•Tickets can be bought from Te Puia or through the Te Puia website. Gates open from 6pm.

Details
What: Opera in the Pa
When: Saturday, March 21, gates open 6pm
Where: Te Puia
How much: $25