Free
concert strikes just the right note
_________________________________________
By
AINSLEY THOMSON
New Zealand News
February 7th, 2002
 |
Fine
weather and free music capped
the day for 45,000 at the Domain.
Picture / Glenn Jeffrey |
They
spilled from the steps of the Auckland
Museum down the expanse of lawn to
the giant stage - 45,000 people who
had crowded into the Auckland Domain
for a free concert last night.
And
it was not just any concert.
It
boasted English tenor Russell Watson, who
has become an opera sensation in the past
three years, young New Zealand star Hayley
Westenra, Faye Tozer from English pop group
Steps, the Auckland Philharmonia and various
local choirs.
The
moment 14-year-old Westenra emerged on
to the stage and sang the first notes of
Pie Jesu, it was clear this was going to
be a concert to remember.
Organiser
Ian Magan said such an event would not
usually be free.
But
the concert, which was being filmed for
a television special to be broadcast in
Britain, the United States, New Zealand
and Australia, was organised in only seven
weeks - not enough time to build an audience
for ticket sales.
"It's
free so we could have a big audience for
the filming."
The
crowd started building around 1 pm, most
people bringing picnics and deck chairs
so they could enjoy the concert in comfort
on a warm evening.
For
some there was an internal debate about
whether last night's Black Caps' game or
the concert took precedent.
Paul
and Sheryn Cressey from Half Moon Bay solved
the dilemma by bringing along their transistor
radio.
When
they heard one of the highlights of the
concert, a duet of Pokarekare Ana sung
by Watson and Westenra, they would have
been pleased they chose the concert.
Most
who attended would agree that it was a
remarkable evening.
|
