Landmark new opera for New Zealand

EMBARGO: 14 JULY AM

Landmark new opera for New Zealand

The human story behind New Zealand’s early settlement history is brought vividly to life in Hōhepa, an ambitious new opera by acclaimed composer Jenny McLeod.

Presented by NBR New Zealand Opera and the New Zealand International Arts Festival, Hōhepa is the story of friendship between the Māori chief Hōhepa Te Umuroa and a Pākehā settler during the turbulent time of the 1840s land wars.

Spanning the 19th Century to 1980s, it represents more than a decade of extensive research by McLeod, based on recorded, personal and oral histories. The result is a warm and at times humorous opera, epic yet very human at heart.

General Director of The NBR New Zealand Opera, Aidan Lang, says: “In the early days of our discussions with Jenny, we envisaged Hōhepa as being a chamber opera. Now, through the support of the New Zealand International Arts Festival we are thrilled to be able to present Hōhepa on a much larger scale, to incorporate kapa haka, as well as a large cast of singers, and to do justice to this important New Zealand story."

The opera was showcased at the Festival’s Show and Tell sessions in 2008. “Any work, whether intricate or operatic in scale, needs longevity to develop to its full potential,” says Festival Artistic Director, Lissa Twomey. “New, New Zealand works of this scale are exactly the kind of production the Festival looks to present. It’s a real cause for celebration."

Hōhepa features an outstanding cast. Returning from the UK to sing the title role is The NBR New Zealand Opera’s PwC Dame Malvina Major Young Artist, Phillip Rhodes. Alongside him are fellow New Zealanders Jonathan Lemalu, Jenny Wollerman, Martin Snell, Deborah Wai Kapohe, Eddie Muliaumaseali'i and Robert Tucker. A further eight singers take the remaining roles and form the ensemble.

Hōhepa is directed by Sara Brodie, assisted by Teina Moetara (who is also Cultural Advisor) and Taiaroa Royal (choreographer). The design team includes Tony de Goldi (set and costumes), Louise Potiki-Bryant (video) and Jeremy Fern (lighting).Hōhepa will be accompanied by a specially selected group of musicians, conducted by Marc Taddei.

The NBR New Zealand Opera and the New Zealand International Arts Festival receive core funding from Creative New Zealand.

For further information, visit www.festival.co.nz

ENDS

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