Ukelele ensembles, orchestras, and rock groups from around the country, have developed a strong following, often playing to sellout audiences in Town Halls and theatres in both small towns and major centres.
The ukelele appeals to both adults and children, and thousands of primary school students have opted to learn to play, as teachers have embraced the resurgence of interest.
School and community ukelele classes are now common in most urban centres. 'It’s an instrument that encourages playfulness in both adults and children,' says one teacher.
Fun for Young and Old
One of the attractions is the relatively cheap entry level for music learners with most ukeleles retailing from around $NZ17 to $20. For more experienced musicians, high quality well known brands, such as the Lanikai Hawaiian Ukelele, retail for around $300.
Another attraction is the ease of learning to play and the fun and smiles had from playing in ensembles and groups - for both musicians and audiences, young and old.
New Zealand has a strong local Pacific Island performance tradition that has included the ukelele for decades. In 2011, Cook Island born singer, Will Crummer, recorded his first album in 40 years in Auckland, called ‘Shoebox Lovesongs’ with his daughter, popular singer Annie Crummer, and Turia ‘Dinky’ Ngatipa playing ukelele, (on the Ode/Rhythmethod label).
Pacific Island Influence
Each year in March, the Pasifika Festival - of food, music, dance and culture - is held in Auckland’s Western Springs Park, and includes a Tahitian Ukelele playing contest, as well as ukelele music in performances from around the Pacific.
Other New Zealand groups, such as Pacific Curls, incorporate the ukelele into their unique blend of Aotearoa sounds that reflects New Zealand’s multi-cultural heritage.
The Wellington International Ukelele Orchestra is one of the best known ukelele groups in New Zealand. They have been playing together for more than five years, and the Orchestra is embarking on another lively national tour in February 2012.
Ensembles and Orchestras
This group of 11-12 musicians sing and play 'infectious ukelele infused pop hits' in their gigs, and have a reputation for a fun, quirky, and proudly kiwi performance that the audience can sing and laugh along to. The orchestra has released four digital EPs since it was formed in 2007, including “I Love You”, “The Dreaming”, “A Little Bit Wonderful” and “The Heartache”.
Another popular ukelele ensemble is New Zealand’s songwriting trio, ‘The Nukes’ who play their original music at gigs around the country, as well as holding ukelele workshops for local communities.
In this unique trio from west Auckland, all three sing, and David Parker plays the tenor ukelele with a bass string, David Thiele plays a banjolele (mini banjo), and Benjamin Collier plays a tenor ukelele.
They too have a New Zealand tour planned to kick off 2012, starting with a gig at the Leigh Sawmill in late January.
In Dunedin, alternative rock ukelele band, Martha, covers old punk rock hits in what is described as the ‘loudest uke rock band.' They play gigs around Dunedin, including a performance dubbed ‘Kill,Martha’ at Dunedin arts venue, The Church, in January.
World's Largest Ukelele Orchestra
In November last year, (on election night), the New Zealand Ukelele Festival was held at the Waitakere Trust Stadium in west Auckland, and included the Kiwileles - the world’s largest ukelele orchestra with 2500 people taking part.
The festival also featured fun with the ‘Big Muffin Serious Band’ from Northland, and the Nukes, as well as other local and visiting ensembles such as Strumdog Billionaires, Ukes a Plenty, Waiakekey Ukelele Orchestra, Ukes of Howick, Ukes on Fire, Uku Bays, Shorecooleles, Ucatis, and Silverbeet Sundae.
Ukelele groups have also featured performances at other New Zealand music festivals including the Big Day Out, and Womad.
In 2010, there was a visit to New Zealand by the eight tuxedo-wearing members of the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain who toured the country, playing their eclectic music to audiences around the country. This group has been credited with leading the revival of interest in ukelele performances in the northern hemisphere.
