This is a truly outstanding group of choral experts – people who are not only among the world’s top conductors but also have a wealth of experience in adjudicating choir competitions right across the globe.
Source: University of Waikato
The global refugee crisis is being brought to life for New Zealand audiences in a new opera co-written by a former Afghani refugee, which promises to give a voice to the inhumane treatment of refugees worldwide.
Acclaimed composer Dr Michael Williams, with librettists Nida Fiazi, and internationally-awarded poet Dr Tracey Slaughter, from the University of Waikato, School of Arts, are developing the first act of:
Du’a (Prayer) for Broken Shelter.
Michael says the opera brings to life the refugee crisis as it follows one family’s journey fleeing the trauma of their homeland to Aotearoa. The opera harnesses the powerful voice and lived experience of librettist Nida Fiazi, a former Afghan refugee.