Opus Orchestra presents Mataatua & Beethoven - The Journey of Mataatua Whare

Opus Orchestra presents The Journey of Mataatua Whare alongside Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto Opus Orchestra will present a powerful programme of orchestral and vocal music this May, pairing a major New Zealand opera by Dame Gillian Karawe Whitehead with one of Beethoven’s most exhilarating works.

At the heart of the concerts is The Journey of Mataatua Whare, a moving opera in concert that tells the true story of the great wharenui Mataatua, built in Whakatāne in 1875 by Ngāti Awa. Taken overseas without consent, the wharenui spent decades travelling the world before finally returning home in 2011.

Through Whitehead’s distinctive musical language, the opera explores themes of history, identity, loss and return. The work is presented in concert form and brought to life by three outstanding emerging New Zealand singers: soprano Katherine Winitana, baritone Tomairangi Henare, and bass Samuel McKeever. Each singer represents a different perspective within the story — Te Ao Māori, the Pākehā world, and the voice of the wharenui itself — giving the opera strong dramatic focus and emotional depth. The Waikato University Voice Programme Ensemble will join Opus Orchestra for the performances.

The programme is completed by Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, the “Emperor” Concerto, a work of heroic scale, lyrical beauty and triumphant spirit. Celebrated New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge will appear as soloist, bringing virtuosity and insight to this cornerstone of the concerto repertoire.

“I am delighted to be making my debut with the orchestra of my ‘home’ region for this concert,” says De Pledge. “The Emperor has long been a favourite concerto for me, a magisterial and magical work that holds endless fascination. I’m looking forward to playing such a wonderful piece for audiences all over the region.”

Conducted by Peter Walls, this concert brings together two contrasting yet complementary works to create a unique musical experience that reflects both local stories and universal human themes.

CONCERT DETAILS

Programme: Whitehead: The Journey of Mataatua Whare Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor”

Artists: Conductor – Peter Walls Piano Soloist – Stephen De Pledge Singers – Katherine Winitana (soprano), Tomairangi Henare (baritone), Samuel McKeever (bass-baritone) Chorus – Waikato University Voice Programme Ensemble