It was an unlikely pairing that struck an obvious chord as soon as the first duet began. When they ended the night with a stirring version of Dobbyn’s ‘Welcome Home’ it was clear they would work together again.
Things are very different second time around - New Zealand summer evenings, the stage and backdrop are the spectacular settings of some the finest vineyards, open air, green, a safe family environment, blankets, wine and good food, room to dance, space to cloud-gaze, transport to the gate........ This time they are in tune with nature.
The ‘In Tune With Nature’ concert series, presented by Newstalk ZB, offers a rare opportunity to see on the same bill the 3-million-selling Westenra and Dobbyn, whose songs have become the soundtrack to many New Zealand lives. They will each perform separately with their own band and collaborate on songs that have stood the test of time. The programme will also feature the talented violin player, Fiona Pears.
Dobbyn picks up the background: “I arrived in London in time for rehearsals and Hayley would say “what about Welcome Home?” or we’d think of a song that resonated with both of us and soon we had a list of duets, from Oughta Be In Love to Tim Finn’s ‘Six Months in a Leaky Boat’, but there just wasn’t time to pull them all together. Now we are exchanging those song-titles again in preparation for the February tour. ”
Westenra’s successful international career, she recorded the highest-selling record of all time in New Zealand, in Japan it is the best-selling classical album in the country’s history and the fastest-selling classical debut in the UK – means she is unable to visit home as frequently as she would wish. And Dobbyn’s focus will soon turn from past songs to future writing when he heads to London in March to record his new album.
So if you do nothing else this summer, catch these two great names on one outstanding bill at six stunning outdoor events in February.
FEB 2008
SATURDAY 16 QUEENSTOWN, MILLBROOK RESORT
SUNDAY 17 WAIPARA, MUD HOUSE WINERY & CAFE
TUESDAY 19 BLENHEIM, MONTANA BRANCOTT ESTATE
THURSDAY 21 HAVELOCK NORTH, BLACK BARN VINEYARDS
SATURDAY 23 MARTINBOROUGH, ALANA ESTATE
SUNDAY 24 AUCKLAND, VILLA MARIA ESTATE
Tickets on-sale now from Ticketek, Ticket Direct (Queenstown and Blenheim only) and venues.
Source:intunewithnature.co.nz
