Opus Orchestra needs our help to present a vibrant programme of musical masterpieces this Easter season. It's a project close to their heart ‘Tukua te wairua kia rere – Let your Spirit Fly'.

'Help us present musical masterpieces that explore the sorrow, hope and exultation of the Easter story to audiences in Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua,” says orchestra general manager Gillian Houser.

In each city, Opus Orchestra will collaborate with the local civic choir for Vaughan William's deeply moving Mystical Songs. The programme includes the premiere of Waikato composer David Griffith's Parable of the Vineyard.

The concert opens with Haydn's reflection on Christ's final words from the cross and his dramatic evocation of the earthquake that followed his death. It ends with Mozart's
‘Prague Symphony' written at the same time as Don Giovanni and sharing its strongly dramatic character.

'Join us to explore a profound exploration of human suffering, of hope, of joy and exultation.

'As the final Mystical Song has it ‘let all the world in every corner sing',” says Gillian.

Opus Orchestra is the professional orchestra for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, bringing exceptional performances of live orchestral music to audiences across the region. For this project, Opus will be conducted by music director Peter Walls, and joined by Tauranga-based baritone Chalium Poppy, the Hamilton Civic Choir, Tauranga Civic Choir and Rotorua District Choir.

They aim to perform the ‘Tukua te wairua kia rere – Let your Spirit Fly' on March 17-19, 2023.

Opus is crowdfunding through Boosted NZ to raise money to help pay the artists involved in this project. They need our help to raise $10,000 to ensure the Easter programme can take flight.

They have a generous donor who will match dollar-for-dollar the first $4000 raised.

'We can't wait to share a vibrant programme of musical masterpieces with you. We truly appreciate your support, every donation helps no matter how small,” says Gillian.

The campaign ends on February 27.

Donate at: Boosted.org.nz/projects/let-your-spirit-fly, and help spread the word.