Christian singers unite to thrill crowd

Bainbridge Methodist singers performing at the interdenominational One Sound Concert. Photo/Stephen Parker

The organisers of the interdenominational One Sound Concert wanted to bring people together.

From the response of the public who attended on Saturday the objective was achieved.

More than $300 was raised towards the Hope Project - to celebrate the bi-centenary of the first Gospel in New Zealand by Samuel Marsden in Northland in 1814.

Concert organiser Gary Parker said he was overwhelmed by the response despite the weather which threatened to disrupt the event.

The crowd huddled at the edge of the rain shelter under the sails at the City Focus and the majority seemed to stay for the full two hours, he said.

Mr Parker said all the Christian music groups performed well at the free event.

"Their songs resounded between the buildings of the CBD and into the hearts of those present.

"A wonderful representation of the Rotorua community was evident by the groups present.

"Everyone came away with smiles on their faces."

Mr Parker said the the large crowd came away commenting the concert was "amazing".

"It [the concert] was blessed as was shown by the weather, which generally held back until Cliff Richard's rendition of the Lord's Prayer was sung at the end when the sky seemed to open up in chorus and thunder down on the canopies above," he said.

The Bainbridge Methodist singers, consisting of 10 male singers, represented the local Samoan and Tongan communities.

"The harmonies they brought to the concert were extraordinary and their song choices were greatly appreciated by all," he said.

"The young adult voices and musicianship of The Servants were a proud reflection of our Filipino community.

"Their vocalists could easily take top chart honours on radio, especially with their rendition of How Great Though Art which brought tears to the eyes of many present."

Mr Parker said the performance of the St John's in The City Youth Band was another highlight.

"Their enthusiasm and youthful dynamics were a pleasure to witness ... they have wonderful talent, dedication and passion."

The "unique" event could not have been achieved without the financial support of Rotorua Civic Arts Trust, Mr Parker said.