Ihitai 'Avei'a - Star Navigator

New Zealand Opera, Auckland, New Zealand

Saturday 20 March 2021

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Important Info

Type: Opera

City: Auckland, New Zealand

Starts at: 20:00

Overview

Based on the true story of Tupaia, a Tahitian star navigator who sailed with James Cook on the Endeavour, this beautiful and haunting work explores the 1769 meeting of two master mariners, each from a vastly different place and culture, both proud of their knowledge and unwavering in their ambition. The opera delves into the minds of these two navigators of genius and the gulf of belief that, despite their common love of the sea and thirst for exploration, stops them from finding their way into each other’s world. Set sail on this journey and let the music lift you up to the stars.

Star Navigator is a new work composed by Tim Finn with Tahitian monologues by Celestine Vaite. Originally commissioned by West Australian Opera, New Zealand Opera and Victorian Opera and supported by the state government of Western Australia.

History

Premiere of this production: 19 March 2021, New Zealand Opera

Aboard a cramped British scientific vessel in the vastness of the Pacific, two navigators find themselves locked on a collision course. One is a Tahitian priest, guided by his ancient knowledge of star pathways. The other a naval officer, desperate to prove both himself and his faith in science.

Venue Info

New Zealand Opera - Auckland
5/69 Saint Georges Bay Road

New Zealand Opera is New Zealand's only full-time professional opera company, formed in 2000 from the merger of companies based in Auckland and Wellington.

The company was formed as The NBR New Zealand Opera in 2000 when the Auckland Opera (1970–2000) and Wellington City Opera (1992–1999) companies decided to merge into one organisation for financial reasons. A further merger with Southern Opera in Christchurch in 2012 allowed the company to maintain a nation-wide presence and stage work in all three centres. The National Business Review (NBR) named sponsorship was dropped in 2014.