Dame Kiri and NZSO team up

Five thousand tickets are now on sale for the star-studded Gala Evening on October 22 at Auckland’s Vector Arena.

Sponsored by Solid Energy, the glittering event will feature Dame Kiri and special guests performing great classical arias, popular favourites and treasures from Dame Kiri’s Maori heritage.

Dame Kiri says the eyes of the world will be on New Zealand and it is the perfect chance to showcase the depth of our musical talent.

“There’s no better way to celebrate our achievements than in music and song, and this will be a night of celebration for Kiwis of all ages. I’m so looking forward to coming home and sharing the excitement!”

NZSO Music Director Pietari Inkinen will conduct the concert, which includes arias by Rossini and Bizet, show-tunes by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and the World in Union anthem.

Inkinen says: “This is New Zealand’s biggest sporting final in a generation and there’s no better musical curtain-raiser than Dame Kiri coming home to sing with the national orchestra.

“It will be the hottest ticket in New Zealand on the eve of the Rugby World Cup final.”

Acclaimed Kiwi baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes will join the legendary diva on stage, and rising star Kawiti Waetford will step into the international spotlight. Well-loved mezzo soprano Helen Medlyn will also guest-star.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa: A Gala Evening is presented by the NZSO with proud support from Solid Energy and in association with the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation. It is part of the REAL New Zealand Festival that runs alongside Rugby World Cup 2011.

Tickets range from $75-175. Book at TicketMaster: www.ticketmaster.co.nz or 0800 111 999.