Whakatuheratanga Nui-Grand Opening Gala
Date: Thursday 16 February 2023
Venue: Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua
Time: 07:00pm - 09:00pm
Restrictions: All Ages
The time has arrived. Sir Howard Morrison Centre presents a star-studded Grand Opening Gala celebration.
120 artists from Rotorua and across Aotearoa will take to the Sir Owen Glenn | Matangi Rau mainstage, in an electrical fusion of live music and performing arts to celebrate this mammoth milestone event for Rotorua, Bay of Plenty and the Performing Arts industry in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A huge line-up of performers and musicians, both mana whenua and from across the motu, will lift the roof of the newly renovated venue in a dazzling multi-disciplinary show.
The line-up includes Aotearoa soul legend Whirimako Black, powerhouse musicians Ria Hall and Anika Moa, Sir Howard’s son Howie Morrison Junior, Te Mauri Kapa Haka, opera singer Christian Thurston, reggae band Origin Roots, Okareka Dance Company, circus sensations The Dust Palace, Thoroughly Modern Māori’s Rutene Spooner, Rotorua Musical Theatre performing a piece from their show The Colour Purple, John Paul College choir, local performers Nikau Grace, Jasmine Hulton, Ellis Carrington and Krissy Knapp, Taiko Drumming, Rotorua Girls’ High School and Western Heights High School Hip Hop crews.
Rotorua-born celebrated choreographer and artistic director Taiaroa Royal (Te Arawa, Kai Tahu, Ngati Raukawa) will direct the Gala event.
120 artists from Rotorua and across Aotearoa will take to the Sir Owen Glenn | Matangi Rau mainstage, in an electrical fusion of live music and performing arts to celebrate this mammoth milestone event for Rotorua, Bay of Plenty and the Performing Arts industry in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A huge line-up of performers and musicians, both mana whenua and from across the motu, will lift the roof of the newly renovated venue in a dazzling multi-disciplinary show.
The line-up includes Aotearoa soul legend Whirimako Black, powerhouse musicians Ria Hall and Anika Moa, Sir Howard’s son Howie Morrison Junior, Te Mauri Kapa Haka, opera singer Christian Thurston, reggae band Origin Roots, Okareka Dance Company, circus sensations The Dust Palace, Thoroughly Modern Māori’s Rutene Spooner, Rotorua Musical Theatre performing a piece from their show The Colour Purple, John Paul College choir, local performers Nikau Grace, Jasmine Hulton, Ellis Carrington and Krissy Knapp, Taiko Drumming, Rotorua Girls’ High School and Western Heights High School Hip Hop crews.
Rotorua-born celebrated choreographer and artistic director Taiaroa Royal (Te Arawa, Kai Tahu, Ngati Raukawa) will direct the Gala event.
