A family that sings together, stays together

Leonie Lawson has made sure her musical talent continues through the generations a` la von Trapp. The 76-year-old Remuera resident, who's been singing for as long as she can remember, couldn't be prouder to be performing alongside daughter Desley Simpson and grandchildren Andrew, 20, and Ashleigh, 18, at the SkyCity Starlight Symphony. More than 200,000 people are expected to gather at the Domain on February 24 to enjoy local musical talent at the annual event. The singing family members are gearing up to be part of the SkyCity massed choir which make up a third of the evening's programme. In keeping with the event's tradition, the 2007 programme promises be a blend of classical and modern performances by local icons. Besides a 450-strong choir, Boh Runga, Andy Lovegrove from Breaks Co-op, and Frankie Stevens will grace the stage. Leonie says singing has always fascinated her because ''you use your whole body as an instrument to interpret the music''. The soprano says she recognized Desley's talent from a young age. ''She had a good ear and used to sing back to me what I said to her.'' Desley says, ''Dad use to tell me to shut up and go to sleep when I sang myself to sleep.'' The mother of two says she has made sure that she's kept her mother's passion for singing alive. ''It was easy since both my kids are talented.'' Former Diocesan School's rowing club captain Ashleigh says it's a treat to finally be available to sing with her family at the Starlight Symphony. Singing together has given the family a special bond like no other. Desley says, ''Mymother's passion has flowed through the generations and we're not about to let her efforts go to waste.''
SkyCity Starlight Symphony, Auckland Domain, Feb 24, 7.45pm. Free entry. Details see www.skycity.co.nz.
By Sharu Delilkan