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WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL UKULELE ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT:
For the past decade, Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra has been getting concertgoers off their feet and dancing the night away to their eclectic mix of ukulele-driven tunes. The New Zealand-based group's repertoire is comprised of classic ukulele standards and pop hits reworked into upbeat singalongs. They've covered everything from Outkast's "Hey Ya" and Pharrell's "Happy" to Toto's "Africa" and Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love". Each song boasts beautifully layered vocal harmonies and toe-tapping melodies, capped off by the group's comical banter and contagious enthusiasm. Their amazing chemistry, stunning string work, and eccentric stage outfits add up to joyous experiences that leave ticket buyers smiling ear to ear.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra is an ensemble of ukulele players based in Wellington, New Zealand. Founded by longtime friends Age Pryor and Bret McKenzie, the group played its first gig as a six-piece in 2005. Within a year they had doubled their lineup to an even dozen, comprised of 11 ukulele players and one double bass player. The group's public profile got a boost thanks to McKenzie's popularity as one half of comedy rock duo Flight of the Conchords, which resulted in his occasional absence from their live shows. In 2007 the orchestra released their debut EP The Heartache, followed by 2008's A Little Bit Wonderful, which topped the New Zealand Indie Music Chart. Over the next few years they released two more EPs -- 2009's The Dreaming and 2011's I Love You... -- and built an enthusiastic fanbase with performances at festivals like Edinburgh Festival Fringe, WOMAD New Zealand, and Cuba Street Carnival. In 2014 the group dropped its highly anticipated adebut album Be Mine Tonight, and finished off the year with critically acclaimed performances in China, Japan, and their native New Zealand.
Thoroughly enjoyed the concert. Variety of song genres, full sound as a group, beautiful solos, and voices. Lot of personality, encourages audience to smile, sing along and move to the music.
A nice show but certainly nothing to get excited about. I would not go back to see this show again. I guess I was expecting more like "Arthur Godfrey" with his ukulele. I dodn't know any of the songs that were played.
To be called "International Ukulele Orchestra" I expected more of an orchestra of ukuleles playing in harmony. It seemed more like a fun evening of friends handing out & goofing around with instruments. The acapella number was incredible and there were a couple of excellent numbers. The encore was especially good. It was a pleasant evening, but not spectacular. Would not spend money on their CDs or another show by them. They did have high energy & enthusiasm.
I didn't really know what to expect from the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, but after just a few short minutes I could tell this was going to be a great evening. The group consisting of three women and four men, play all types of ukuleles, a bass guitar and a few hand percussion instruments. Almost all members had at least one solo or more. They sang songs from traditional a New Zealand acapella song, which was very nice, to Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Lorde, Dolly Parton, and many other genres and decades. It was almost like a variety show with music. They all seemed to be having a blast onstage and interacted with the sub 400 person crowd like they were 20 friends. They were wearing brightly colored costumes, which made it even more fun. They played modern music, meaning they didn't play any Brahms or Bach as an orchestra, so if you are expecting classical music that isn't the case, but if you like rock and pop and having a great time this is the concert for you. I'd have to say it was one of my favorite concerts that I've ever been to.
I recently purchased an Oscar Schmidt ukulele, so was totally on board for tickets to this event! I was not disappointed..... not only is the orchestra talented musically, their antics onstage are hilarious. Loved the rock songs and singalongs.
My husband bought a ukulele after a recent trip to Hawaii so when I saw this event pop up in my email, I knew we had to go. As fans of Flight of the Conchords, we knew we would be in for a quirky and fun time, even if Bret wasn't there-and we weren't disappointed! Playing their take on mostly modern pieces (Cry me a River by Justin Timberlake, Hit Me Baby One More Time, Afternoon Delight, Team by Lorde, Jolene by Dolly Parton were a few) with a couple originals thrown in, they were not only fun to watch but sounded great, with some stunning singers in the bunch and displaying a range with a ukulele I didn't know existed! The theater we were in was very small and intimate so there was a lot of banter with the audience, which was great fun. Iowa's the middle of no where to Americans so I can't even imagine what these New Zealanders thought but they had so much fun, gave such a great show and it was obvious at the end that the entire audience enjoyed themselves. Would love to see them again.
Just the right amount stage talk to engage the audience, the music was so impressive that the talk may not have been necessary. The vocals were the greatest strength and they were not afraid to use it. The sound of ukuleles playing in a ukulele orchestra is something a person has to experience to appreciate. It sounds like an accomplished string section playing impossible pizzicato phrases continuously. It's a most beautiful form of music. The orchestra provided many examples but they also adapted their instruments to provide completely different impressions depending on how this might enhance individual selections. See the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra if you ever get the opportunity.
Bought tickets not knowing what to expect. Was absolutely blown away how much fun the show was. They got the crowd in to the show amazingly and I would go see them again for sure.
The Kiwi's came prepared to amaze, inform, and entertain. What I saw was part hoot-nanny, part revival, a touch of Woodstock, and a massive dose of fun. They are off-center, slightly irreverent, and hugely amusing. Who knew that so many ukes of such range existed? And, ya gotta love the way they pronounce "ook-u-lay-lay". The senior citizen lady to my left, an ample sample of their fans, literally danced in her seat all evening. She sang along with their numbers, be-bopped to their beat, and stomped her feet. Of course she was a distraction, but clearly she captured the unrepressed element of fun that the night was intended to capture.
Two encores summed up the audience delight.. refreshingly different event.. old time concert hall audience interaction with highly skilled musicians and raconteurs .. The only area of improvement would be the theater's sound system..not sure they were prepared for such a large ensemble of microphones..
