Keyboard maestro gives seniors a treat

It was exceptional, I just thought it was great.Estlle Cornick, audience member Hundreds of Rotorua's older residents were treated to the sound of New Zealand's highest-selling instrumental recording artist at the annual mayoral command concert.

Carl Doy, best known for his Piano by Candlelight compilation, was the headline act at Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters' annual free concert for the elderly.

The concert at the Rotorua Convention Centre yesterday attracted an audience of 600 people.

Doy, whose items included pieces from Nat King Cole, along with Pokarekare Ana, said Rotorua was one of his favourite places to visit and play in and the concert went really well.

He said the concert was particularly special because it coincided with the release date of his first album 25 yearsago.

Doy said there were not enough events catering for older people and thought it was great Rotorua held such an event.

"It is terrific that the mayor puts on a concert for the community's old people and does not charge them," he said. "He approached me and I did not even have to think about it, I just said, 'Yes, I would love to'."

Mr Winters said he was honoured to be able to put on the free concert but it was only possible because of the help from sponsors and the commitment of local acts.

"They always say yes, I have not been turned down by anyone yet."

Local Estlle Cornick said it was the fourth time she had been to a concert put on by the mayor for the elderly and she enjoyed every bit of it.

"It was exceptional, I just thought it was great."

Doy was joined by the Sunshine Rockers, Vicki Lee Fleming School of Dance, Exodus Amjazz, Ray Philpot, Evelyn Falconer and the Finely Tuned Quartet and Sophie Voss, Saul Newport and Moeri Iwata performed ballet solos.

The concert was sponsored by the Rotorua Trust, Monty Morrison and Creating Moments of Magic, Noel Lamberton and Villa Productions, The Daily Post and Mr Winters.

Doy was last in Rotorua as the director and pianist of Elizabeth Marvelly's band during her July 15 concert.