What a blessing -my 4th gig for Buddy Mikaere of Mana Taiao Events this time for the Tauranga Moana Rangatahi Awards. It was such an honour to share this special celebration of Maori Excellence and Achievement with these hard working passionate youngsters. They all received beautifully carved taonga with their personal inscriptions. And talk about being spoilt by Buddy- spotted a super launch at my front door-at the luxurious Trinity Wharf Hotel- lol.

A very exhausting but exhilarating Tchaikovsky 5th Symphony by Orchestra Wellington at the Michael Fowler Centre, we were treated to another superb performance by Michael Houston of the Khachaturian Piano Concerto.

Wedding with a difference. Jane and Damian's wedding at Waikanae Beach. It was a perfect sunny day the scene was beautifully and delightfully simple, guests in pink (for the ladies) and black (for the men) flip flops, an aisle of petals leading to a driftwood alter. When I asked one of the guests if the bride had arrived (as the setting was so casual I thought the bride was probably the girl dressed in orange?) the guest pointed and this was the scene that greeted me....lol.

fabulous photo with Jane & Damian and entourage

NOVEMBER: A Very successful gig for the Chartered Accountants Long Service Awards Cocktail Function at the Wellington City Gallery. As they had provided a stage especially for me the manager told me I should be demanding and add "personal stage" to my technical ryder.

OCTOBER: Event sponsor Robert Baldock (formally Westside Producitons) whom I have worked for many times contacted me to open Porirua City 50th Anniversary Awards Dinner. Robert had themed the Te Rauparaha Arena to look like a contemporary New York Club. I was positioned on a stage in the middle of a luminous bar, apparently the effect was stunning as the guests walked through a cloud tunnel into the "Club". A fabulous evening showcasing Porirua with video chats from loyal locals, fashion show including new range from Suzanne Tamaki, lyrical entertainment from Russell Harrison and divine gastric delights from Ruth Pretty Catering- the vegan menu to die for!

SEPTEMBER: A rousing finale performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Gondoliers in Napier at the Municipal Theatre bringing closure to a successful touring season starting in August with shows in Lower Hutt, Southwards Kapiti, Whanganui, Wellington and Napier. It was a pleasure to work with Hugh McMillan again (musical director/ conductor) whose humility and respect for the orchestra gave me a great sense of joy.

News.

Elena