A Pacific Symphony

Symphony Pasifika, featuring Orchestra Wellington with the Signature Choir and Virtuoso Strings orchestra.

In an 80-minute concert (no interval) which combines well-known and much-loved classical works with popular and traditional songs from the Pacific Islands, transporting our audience to the Islands with their gorgeous melodies and lush harmonies.

The show will be performed by the 25-strong Signature Choir and backed by a full orchestra. In a side-by-side performance with Virtuoso Strings, Orchestra Wellington will also perform Samuel Barber’s haunting ‘Adagio for Strings’, and Virtuoso Strings star performer Toloa Faraimo will perform a solo work with the orchestra.

About Signature Choir:
From varying Pasifika walks of Wellington, Signature Choir was born of a vision for a Pasifika sound. Singers come from a range of different musical backgrounds, combining youth with experience, under the passionate guidance of founder and director Helen Tupai, who brings together their collective desire to perform folk songs, traditional hymns, contemporary and historic favourites and modern gospel.

Signature Choir members are hand-picked, high quality singers who individually can sing with a great amount of soul, but when they come together they produce a superior and magical sound, quite like no other. Their purpose is to utilise their God-given talents to share their stories and inspire the next generation.

Choir members:
Soprano: Alisa Belford, Atelina Malagama’ali’i, Dawn Aulalo, Katenari Auelua, Pama Tafaovale
Alto: Alesi Komiti, Coleen Komiti, Bessie Fepuleai, Faleali’i Tafaovale, Lemau Lolesio-Sio, Marilyn Fasitua, Noema Leota
Tenor: Faoa Taupau, Kevin Malagama’ali’i, Jadrah Tupai, Lo’u Leota, Paris Fasitua, Perseus Fasitua
Bass: Alofagia Faletagaloa, Ese Enari, Fili Moananu, Mason Malagama’ali’i, Kisega Asi, Tofiga Fepulea’i

About Orchestra Wellington:
Founded nearly seventy years ago, Orchestra Wellington is one of New Zealand’s oldest and best professional orchestras. In addition to our concert series which is performed at Wellington’s premier venue, the Michael Fowler Centre, each year Orchestra Wellington performs many community, family and school concerts, as well as in productions by our partners New Zealand Opera and the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Our concerts feature internationally-acclaimed soloists, as well as the best artists New Zealand has to offer. Our goal is to be the most accessible orchestra in the country - we want people from all walks of life to experience the thrill of live orchestral music. We don’t restrict ourselves to the concert halls, taking our music out into the streets, classrooms and communities across our beautiful Wellington region.