Music treats at museum

Pataka Museum’s concert series starts on June 22 with a newly-formed group that will bring together southern India and contemporary New Zealand sounds.

Yasodha Narayanan, who is helping to organise the young musicians group Idhayam, said they only came together in October, but are proving popular in the region.

‘‘The group has played a few concerts, at festivals and for an event at Parliament. It’s been a good run,’’ he said.

Narayanan said Idhayam had eight to 10 members and played Carnatic and Hindustani music with saxophone, piano, bass guitar, drums, percussion, violin and vocals.

‘‘It varies in terms of the number of people who will play. We have an intimate setting and an upbeat, creative style of music and there is a lot of interaction with the audience.

‘‘There are stories told in the music and a real multicultural feel. Some of us have family in Porirua so we can’t wait to play at Pataka.’’

This is the ninth year of the winter series of concerts, organised by Friends of Pataka.

Friends member Barbara Marshall said the original focus of the series was to give young musicians an opportunity to give a public performance.

‘‘Over the years this has been extended to include very accomplished musicians, giving audiences the chance to hear music and genres they might not otherwise hear in our area,’’ she said.

‘‘This year there is something for everyone.’’

Each concert starts at 2pm. Friends of Pataka members free, non-members $5. Under-18 free. June 22: Idhayam June 29: Ludwig Treviranus, concert pianist. July 6: Wellington Male Voice Choir. July 13: Dr Jane Curry, classical guitarist.