Varied talents a delight for elderly

The audience at the Mayoral Concert for the Elderly enjoyed the sounds of vocal group Finely Tuned, Marlene Badger (left), Evelyn Falconer, Sue Morrison and Tania Pinfold. Photo / Ben Fraser

The Rotorua Civic Theatre was packed and full of entertainment for the Mayoral Concert for the Elderly yesterday afternoon.

Local performers such as pianists, dancers, singers and actors showcased their talents for the concert.

Concert organiser Sue Morrison said the event had sold out in under a week and those involved were very pleased with it.

"It went smoothly and very well. We are quite delighted with the whole thing."

This concert was a "lovely communal" event and about 650 people attended, she said.

"You see them smiling, sitting and chatting."

She said Rotorua saw a lot of events but they were not often aimed at the older generation.

"It's a thank you from the mayor for their time and effort they put into their community."

She said they kept the artists in the concert local and each year tried to get some different ones.

"It's from Rotorua to Rotorua, which is really lovely."

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said it was "just wonderful" and there had been young talent doing their take on Shakespeare, beautiful choirs and dancers from the Anne Samson School of Ballet.

Mrs Chadwick said they got hugely positive feedback and they looked forward to it year after year, "so we'll have to keep it going".

Jocelyn Greene, who attended the concert, said "it was fantastic, it was lovely to see all the young talent".

"The variety was of a very high standard."

Geoff Miller also said he thought it was great and he looked forward to the shows.