Magic when classical and rock music blend
Te Ahu will host three exceptional musicians on Saturday, for a one-off concert in support of Kaitaia’s Te Hiku Sports Hub.
The trio will include Bart Klijnsmit, a master classical pianist from the Netherlands, who sports hub deputy chair Robin Schiff said had performed throughout Europe.
“A highlight of the concert will be Bart teaming up with our own Riqi Harawira, a Maori fusion rock artist who will be jamming electric guitar and other instruments alongside this classical piano artist,” Robin said.
“We are bringing together two worlds of dynamic music that are rarely seen and heard together for this special event.”
“We watched the first rehearsal between Bart and Riqi last week, and were absolutely blown away as these two masters of different musical worlds wove their melodies together and created a kind of magic that we’ve never heard before. It literally sent shivers down everyone’s spine,” hub committee member Dr. Joost van Rens added.
Dancer Flossie Drake, who would dazzle the eyes and enchant hearts, would be an added attraction. The Kaitaia Community Choir had prepared two new songs as their contribution, and Bart would accompany up-and-coming teenage soprano Christina Nolden.
The Kaitaia Abundant Life Middle School Jazz Band would share their lively rhythms and youthful vibes, and there would be more surprises, including performances by the Kaitaia Line Dancers and the local a cappella vocal group.
The grand finale would be Joost van Rens on guitar.
“Yes, our own local GP will be both singing and strumming the chords, and will be accompanied by all participants to end this celebratory concert together,” Hub chairman David Senior said.
“This rare musical event is being created to benefit a brighter future for us and the next generation. That is why we have so many talented artists coming here to share their gifts and build our community.
“This showcase of musical talents offers a rare celebration of both diversity and togetherness, where the universal language of music unites our community. It will be an extraordinary event, one that is not be missed.
The concert, in the atrium, will start at 1pm, admission by koha.
Meanwhile Klijnsmit will also present a concert of French Romantic music on the grand piano in the Te Ahu theatre on Wednesday next week, March 21, the 333rd anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday in 1685.
The occasion will be marked around the world with performances of Bach’s music in public spaces, Klijnsmit saying he was thrilled to be part of that.