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Talented Hawaiian Choir Brings 'Music of the Islands' to Wellington

A thousand people were enthralled at Porirua’s Te Rauparaha Arena last night as they watched a high energy performance from the Brigham Young University-Hawaii Concert Choir.

The choir also performed at midday to an audience of 250 at the marae at Te Papa as part of its New Zealand/Australia tour.

Led by director Michael Belnap, 45 talented students from BYU-Hawaii presented vibrant renditions of music from around the world, to the theme “Music of the Islands.” 

Irish, French, American  and Latvian folk songs rubbed shoulders with Swahili, Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori and Samoan music.  Hymns and traditional classic music were also part of their lively show.

US Ambassador to New Zealand David Huebner, who attended both shows and hosted the choir at the US Embassy, said he thoroughly enjoyed the concerts.

“The choir’s broad range of traditional songs from the North and South Pacific were a  particular pleasure.”

He continued by highlighting the importance of such tours to the US-New Zealand relationship.

“Tours such as the choir’s current visit reinforce and deepen the people-to-people connections that are – and always have been – the foundation of the warm, strong relationship between our two countries,” he said. 

Two New Zealanders took part in the performance. Siblings  Sarah and Paul Tovey were born in New Zealand, but have spent most of their lives in Hawaii. 

Paul, majoring in hospitality and tourism at BYU, says, “It feels like coming home.”

“We’ve felt more than just aroha from our host families, they’ve made us feel like family, that they love us. In maori history we’ve always communicated with songs and chanting. I knew New Zealanders would embrace the music and the spirit of aloha. It’s been awesome.”

His sister Sarah, a music major, added, “We’ve met so many people here with connections to BYU Hawaii and to our family. It’s been beautiful to share the music we love with such an enthusiastic audience.”

Porirua Deputy Mayor Liz Kelly said, “The fact the BYU Choir, USA Ambassador among other dignitaries wanted to come to Porirua for this event, shows we in Porirua ‘punch well above our weight’ in terms of cultural exchange and global links.”

“What a brilliant night, the pronunciation and attention to detail across the items was outstanding and demonstrates how much these students understand and value the Polynesian cultural diversity.”

The Rookies, an award winning barbershop quartet from Aotea College also sang at both concerts to the delight of many of the local Porirua youth who attended the evening concert.

The choir also performed in Auckland and Hamilton as well as appearing on TVNZ’s Good Morning program last Friday.

Choir member Justin Hinton, an Accounting senior at BYU-H from Arizona, said, "the best part of this tour has been to meet and associate with the great people of New Zealand."

"The hearty and warm personalities put a smile on my face even in the rain and cooler weather.  Although I haven't been here long and don't know many people here, I know that I will always be welcome here and will be leaving a piece of my heart here with the great people of this nation."

The choir's next performances will be in Brisbane before the choir members and support team head home to Hawaii.

Brigham Young University-Hawaii is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Students from over 70 countries are represented on campus.

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