Turanga Merito performs at the Lakeside Concert at Rotorua International Stadium. Photo / Ben Fraser
Varied fare
I couldn't believe the diatribe that was in your letters to editor on Monday. While I didn't jive to every performance to state, as your expert correspondent did, that they were monocultural and based on American culture belies belief.
The concert was called whenua, with a mix of genres
that the performers excel at. The balance from classical piano, a baritone performance and, yes, there was the essence of what Rotorua is renowned for, and that is producing world-class performers across all spheres of music and that is to be celebrated. Or had he gone home by then.
In the past we have had symphony orchestras, Enzo, opera singers and the 22 concerts free to all and varied in emphasis. That surely illustrates the biculturalism, diversity and inclusiveness aspects of our wonderful community.
The negativity and accusation that it's been hijacked by a narrow set of interests in my view says more about the person and what he desires. I thought Ian Edward and his trustees should be proud of the concert and showcasing Rotorua's real talent and to each of the performers, musical director and MC congrats. After all, the trustees are volunteers who are positive and have been for 22 years.
CHARLES STURT
Rotorua
