Local singer preparing for 'magical' night

Elisha Hulton. FILE

Contributing to a unique musical event in her own back yard is a performance highlight for local opera singer, Elisha Hulton.

Hulton is performing at Opera in the Pa at Te Puia's Rotowhio Marae this Saturday which will honour the First World War centenary, while well-known opera arias will also be sung in te reo Maori for the first time. It is being directed by University of Auckland fellow Robert Wiremu and MC'd by well-known broadcaster and entertainer Max Cryer.

"For a local girl, this unique and iconic event is very close to my heart, and it's even more special to be involved in something like this just down the road," Hulton said.

Although it is her first year performing in the event, Hulton has been following Opera in the Pa for many years, and it will not be the first time she performs at Te Puia.

"I've performed at Te Puia a number of times before and it is such a beautiful location to host Opera in the Pa - with the geyser and mud pools in the background, performing in front of the beautiful Rotowhio Marae, it adds to the uniqueness of the event and it really will be a magical evening.

"This year's Opera in the Pa is something outside the traditional opera box, in that it fuses together opera, songs in te reo Maori and traditional war-time songs. Robert has put together some incredible arrangements. There aren't many other events like this and it's particularly special because of that."

She said it would be a true family event and would have something for everyone, particularly for those that had never experienced opera before.

"It's an event all ages will enjoy, so make sure you bring along the kids. There will be fun well-known arias that lots of people will recognise, as well as Maori songs, war-time songs and even a sing-along."

Having fallen in love with opera while studying music at age 18, Hulton paid homage to the powerful emotion and depth created by the music's composers and said as a singer, it was about them doing justice as well as adding individual flavour.

"I've followed Opera in the Pa for a number of years, and many great singers have been involved with it in the past. It's an honour to follow in their footsteps and to be working with wonderful singers this year."

Hulton will be joined on stage on Saturday evening by Stephen Diaz and Benson Wilson, as well as Deborah Wai Kapohe and Bonnie Allan Moetau.

Opera in the Pa is organised by a Charitable Trust, in conjunction with Te Puia. Tickets cost $25 per seat and are available from Te Puia Admissions or online at www.tepuia.com. Entry is free for those under 15. The event will proceed rain or shine.