Te Ata: O Matou Malaga, Our Voyage

Sinfonia for Hope

Conducted by Donald Maurice, Sinfonia for Hope brought us the deep and moving presentation of “Violins of Hope”, a work written to feature the collection of violins once played in the ghettos and concentration camps of Europe in WW2, since restored by Israeli violin maker Amnon Weinstein.

Each year members of this important orchestra volunteer their time to bring audiences exciting and innovative presentations to fundraise for important causes across the globe.

Jonathan Lemalu

Grammy Award Winning Bass Baritone Jonathan Lemalu continues to be in great demand on the global stage as an opera singer, concert performer, recitalist and recording artist. Jonathan’s commitment as patron of Wellington’s Virtuoso Strings, brings him back home to be with us for our Porirua hosted Te Ata Festival.

Virtuoso Strings

The Virtuoso Strings Charitable Trust aims to generate social benefit through an accessible, inclusive and holistic music education programme in a community-based setting.

Accessible: All aspects of all music programmes (eg. Instruments, tuition, uniform, trips, food, Exam fees) are provided freely to students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

Inclusive: All youth residing in socio-economically disadvantaged communities can join the Virtuoso Strings music programmes. Our Virtuoso Strings Orchestra based in Cannons Creek is open to all young people from around the Wellington region.

Holistic: Our mantra is “If you care about the whole person, they will care a whole lot about learning.”

Community: If we work together on common goals we have more fun and everyone benefits.