Two cultural worlds will combine at a Tauranga marae next week as the New Zealand String Quartet pays tribute to fallen World War I soldiers.
The internationally renowned classical musicians will perform free concerts on Wednesday and Thursday as part of local commemorations marking 100 years since the end ofWWI.
The performances will take place in Tamateapokaiwhenua Meeting House at Huria Marae and have been organised by Ngāi Tamarāwaho hapū and Creative Bay of Plenty.
Hapu organiser Buddy Mikaere said the acoustics inside the marae for such a setting were "remarkable" and would add to the richness and texture of the music.
Mikaere said the concert was an innovative way to mark the end of the 100th year commemorations. It was also a fitting musical tribute to the many men from Tauranga who went away to The Great War, particularly those who lost their lives and their families, he said.
Descendants of local soldiers will be attending. Others were already on their way to France for the formal Armistice Day commemorations next month.
It will not be the first time the quartet - New Zealand's only full-time string quartet - has performed inside the marae. In 2014, as part of the Battle of Gate Pa 100-year commemorations the musicians performed at Huria Marae and have always wanted to return, Mikaere said.
It was when Mikaere was at a recent dinner event where the string quartet was performing "when I thought of 'why don't I get the string quartet back?'
He and fellow Creative Bay of Plenty chairwoman Michelle Whitmore have since spent time talking to sponsors to make the free concert happen.
"Because of the proximity to the Armistice Day, November 11, commemorations we thought we could make this another End Of The War event," Mikaere said.
The string quartet will play a programme to reflect the music of the era plus works by Mozart, Beethoven, Puccini and Czech composer Leos Janacek.
There are 170 free tickets available through the Creative Bay of Plenty website. People are asked to register to ensure a ticket.
Helping honour NZ heroes with donation
A donation box will be on site if anyone would like to contribute towards the New Zealand War Memorial Museum to be built in Le Quesnoy in France. Le Quesnoy was liberated by New Zealand troops on November 4, 1918 - seven days before the war. The former police station in Le Quesnoy has been bought and was being renovated into time for next month's opening.
