Mini WOMAD in Taita

Friday April 17, 12:00 at Pomare School

Refugees from Burma, Thailand, Africa, and Columbia are mixing with local Samoan, Maori and Pakeha kids - sharing the common language of music.

While they love playing Maori, African, and American music, Mozart and Beethoven are now in their comfort zone too, thanks to Sistema Hutt Valley. Think of it as a mini WOMAD in Taita.

The kids are celebrating a week of dedicated work. The joy that builds across the week in the Arohanui Strings-Sistema Hutt Valley holiday programme shows why public programmes can make a big difference to young lives.

Arohanui Strings Director, Alison Eldredge, is ably assisted by musicians from Orchestra Wellington. Eldredge set up the music lessons in Taita five years ago.

"Beethoven, Mozart, Maori, African and American music will ring out in the classic Kiwi Pomare School Hall," Eldredge says.

"It's going to be our best concert yet and it would be an honour to see you in the audience on Friday!"

"Arohanui Stings-Sistema Hutt Valley is so grateful for the support we have received from Hutt City Council and Creative NZ, as well as Orchestra Wellington who partners with us for our Holiday Programmes."

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