Guitarist returns to roots for Marlborough concert

‘‘In 1904 my greatgrandfather Frank Paine ... was commissioned to decorate the Tua Marina Church inside and out.’’

A top New Zealand guitarist is returning to his roots for a special concert.

Classical guitarist Bruce Paine will be performing at the Old Tua Marina Church in Blenheim on November 10 with his solo recital, Starlight and Memories.

The recital will see Paine return to the town where his grandparents once lived and his father, Selwyn, was born.

His will also record some of his popular classical music in the church itself which has links with his family too.

Auckland-based Paine gave his first guitar performance at the age of 11-years-old and went on to study classical guitar at the University of Auckland.

He says a lot of his family’s history is linked to Blenheim and he is looking forward to returning to the town where he spent many childhood summer holidays.

‘‘In 1904 my great-grandfather Frank Paine, a staunch Methodist and proprietor of a Blenheim ‘Paint and Paper’ shop, was commissioned to decorate the Tua Marina Church inside and out.

‘‘A piece of his decorative work has been saved by museum staff, framed and hung by the entrance to the church,’’ he says.

Paine played a sell-out concert for the Friends of Marlborough Museum following the magnitude 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Kaiko¯ura last year.

He says he is delighted to return.

‘‘My dad made a record of his childhood memories that show just how different and interesting life was for a boy growing up prior to the second world war.

‘‘One favourite memory was of being woken early on the morning of 13th October 1928 to see Charles Kingsford Smith’s ‘Southern Cross’ aircraft fly overhead.

‘‘Another memory was of a power cut and being enlisted along with another lad to help pump the organ at the Church of the Nativity.

‘‘Afterwards they were criticised by the organist for their poor effort,’’ he says.

The concert starts at 6pm at Brayshaw Heritage Park at Arthur Baker Place and bookings can be made via the Marlborough Museum by calling 578 1712.

Tickets cost $25 and $20 for concessions.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED Classical guitarist Bruce Paine will return to Blenheim where he spent time as a child.