The Legend of Okatia

The World Premiere of the orchestral composition by Kane Parsons is a Rangitane story about the forming of Te Apiti or the Manawatu Gorge. Inspired by the Manawatu awa, this is a classical orchestration representing the legend with soaring melodies, driving percussive elements, taonga puoro & waiata that speaks of the river's health after Okatia has created the gorge. Featuring the Manawatu Sinfonia & Combined Choir conducted by Andrew Atkins with help from the Renaissance singers, Manawatu Youth Theatre and chorally conducted by Christine Archer-Lockwood. This family friendly concert will feature excerpts from his previous show ‘All the Right Notes’ which allows access to the orchestra by blending classical works and humour,which resonates with young and old alike, as well as repertoire that honours classical music. As part of this mahi, Parsons has produced via his company Hokozoo Productions a Children’s story book about the Legend of Okatia as a bilingual resource. This has been illustrated by UCOL students and overseen by designer Steve Leurink with original story told by Rangitane Kaumatua Manu Kawana.