Watch this US choir perform an incredible version of Pokarekare Ana as a tribute to Christchurch

Publish Date: Tuesday, 19 March 2019, 8:23AM

One of the world's best choirs has reshared a heartfelt version of Pokarekare Ana they previously recorded with a Kiwi group following the Christchurch mosque attacks.

The US choir from California, Westminster Chorus, is a former "Choir of the World" Pavarotti Trophy winner and has toured twice around New Zealand, including Christchurch.

On Saturday, the choir shared a video on Facebook of their rendition of the Māori love song, singing alongside Wellington's Vocal FX Chorus in Orlando last July.

The video was taken after the International Barbershop Harmony Society Contest and Convention where both Vocal FX and Westminster were competing separately.

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#Repost @barbershopharmonysociety Standing in support of our New Zealand barbershop family in this time of tragedy. #kiakaha #barbershopfamily @barbershopharmonynz @sweetadsnz

A post shared by Westminster Chorus (@westminsterchorus) on Mar 15, 2019 at 7:39am PDT

"We sang it impromptu as part of our general celebration in seeing each other and spending time together," Westminster Chorus told the Herald.

"Sharing this moment with our brothers from New Zealand was an incredible experience. We love you Barbershop Harmony New Zealand #KiaKaha," they captioned the video.

Westminister Chorus said they learned the song in 2014 when they were first invited to New Zealand.

"We have kept in our repertoire since and used it again in shows when we toured a second time in New Zealand in 2017," they said.

The US choir revealed when they toured New Zealand they were fortunate enough to stay on a marae and that they fell in love with our culture.

"Our hearts go out to all of our New Zealand brothers and sisters in the wake of this horrible tragedy," they said.

"We are very close with our brothers in the vocal FX Wellington chorus and consider New Zealand a second home to us musically.

"Just as we immediately found brotherhood and unity when New Zealand opened its arms to us in the past, we have no doubt that love and harmony will prevail and connect us all in time. We will be singing Pokarekare Ana and sending out its message from across the ocean with hope for a peaceful future for all."

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Many on Facebook commented on how touched they were to watch their performance on Facebook.

"Absolutely amazing, seriously had goosebumps and filled my heart and soul with sadness and love, the power of prayer and amazing music like this outstanding choir heals," one person wrote.

Another commented: "Thank you from me in New Zealand for this absolutely beautiful rendition of a much-loved song. This kind of beauty is much needed right now, not just for us here in NZ but for the planet."

"I've cried so many times over the last few days and hearing this beautiful song made me realise just how much I love my country, my people, our nation," a Kiwi said.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is reproduced here with permission.

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