26 January 2005

Yulia to perform at Auckland Zoo Thursday 3 February (6pm – 9pm)

Be enthralled by the luminous voice of ‘popera’ sensation Yulia, when she performs in the dazzling surroundings of Auckland Zoo, on Thursday 3 February, from 6pm – 9pm.

The Russian-born, Christchurch-based teenager has found overnight fame with her album Into The West, winning fans around the world with the beauty, warmth and passion of her singing.

Yulia is joined by up-and-coming talent Will Martin; New Zealand-based American saxophonist Ambrose Splescia, whose music is described as smooth Latin Soul grooves; and The Phonics, a string quartet with a twist.

Yulia, just 18 years old, arrived in New Zealand two years ago. She says when she performs, she thinks of her hometown of Volgograd, on the Volga River in Southern Russia: "When I sing, I think of the Volga River, the little apartment we lived in and the large Russian countryside, with wooded hills and many forests, and the huge Russian voices I grew up hearing sing folk, classical music and opera."

The hottest Kiwi music plays at the Zoo this summer, in ASBZooMusic, with a diverse range of artists. Yulia is followed by Nathan Haines, Katchafire, Goodshirt and Nesian Mystik in a series that runs until Saturday 5 March. Each concert features great guest artists.

“Yulia is rapidly gaining fans all over the world and we are excited to have this fast-rising star perform in the ASBZooMusic series,” says Auckland Zoo Events Co-ordinator Jackie Sanders. “In our six ASBZooMusic concerts, we are showcasing some of the best music Kiwi artists have to offer, across a wide range of genres.”

Most of the animals will still be up in the warmth of the summer evenings, so come early and hang out in Auckland's best park with your family and friends. Bring a picnic, or pre-order a Zoo Hamper from the Visitors’ Centre (phone 09-360-3805), for $30, $45 or $70. You can also purchase dinner from Darwin's café or the BBQs we'll have set up near the Band Rotunda. Darwin's is licensed, and we'll also have a fully licensed bar set up in the grounds, where a range of Coopers Creek wines will be available.

Tickets for Yulia’s concert and other ASBZooMusic events can be pre-purchased through Ticketek, or from the Zoo. With limited capacity, and tickets already selling, we recommend advance booking. Tickets: Adults $20, Children (4+yrs) $10, Students & Seniors $15, a 3-ticket pass $50 (one person attending three concerts). Ticket prices include admission to the Zoo. To find out more about ASBZooMusic, visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz.

ASBZooMusic Key Dates:

Thursday 3 February (6pm – 9pm) Yulia Sunday 13 February (6pm – 9pm) Nathan Haines Sunday 20 February (6pm – 9pm) Katchafire Saturday 26 February (6pm – 9pm) Goodshirt (part of AK05) Saturday 5 March (6pm – 9pm) Nesian Mystik (part of AK05)

ENDS

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