Elena's Cultural Symphony

Elena's Cultural Symphony is a 90-minute action concert that tells the story of my life and musical influences. The concert is narrated in te reo Maori (with english subtitles) and enhanced with integrated visual imagery.

From the spine-chilling Waitangi Overture to the passion of the Tango haka, this concert introduces a World where Maori and European musical traditions weave together in multi-cultural fusion. I've combined Maori kapa haka waiata and European styles, like classical and opera, to get the startling results - like Maori tango!

Elena's Cultural Symphony is an emotional journey. Feel love, fear, passion, sorrow, loss and triumph as you experience Maori and European musical art forms pulled together so brilliantly that this symphony could be described as a composition in its own right - a new art form!

Elena's Cultural Symphony was first performed at the Michael Fowler Center Wellington on 1 October 2004. The performance received a standing ovation from the audience. The performers in this groundbreaking concert were Elena, Strike Percussion, Vector Wellington Orchestra, Whitireia Performing Arts, April Neho, Howard McGuire, Waimihi Hotere, and Gareth Farr.

Read what the politians and reviewers had to say.

'I The concept of bringing together Maori and European classical music traditions is an exciting one for Aotearoa and is part of what will help us forge a bi-cultural nation.'

Jeanette Fitzsimons

'I was utterly captivated by Elena's extraordinary, mesmerising performance. It was accessible, it engaged my emotions, it wove together the strands of culture and talent, which make up our extraordinary land. Elena and her music are taonga!'

Tim Barnett

'... an exhilarating experience that frequently sent shivers down the spine ... fully deserving of the spontaneous standing ovation from the large audience.'

Gareth Wilshere, Capital Times

'... there is a formidable array of musical and performance arts talent that together create a unique blend of enjoyable music.'

John Smythe, The National Business Review

 '... her ability both as a musician and a catalyst in the struggle to persuade Maori that like other non European cultures they must give whole hearted devotion to the arts and sciences of the whole world. Elena's message was clear and entertainingly presented in this colourful concert.'

Lindis Taylor, Dominion Post 

'... your creativity, innovation, attitude and your talent allow us to maintain our position as the Art's and Cultural Capital of NZ.' 

Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington

'Elena's concert at the MFC has created a milestone of NZ music'

Alick Shaw, Deputy Mayor of Wellington