The dozen-strong strummers of the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra faithfully reproduce hit songs from across the musical spectrum, including covers of songs by artists from Neil Diamond to Guns n Roses.
At their sell-out gigs, you can expect inviting sing-a-longs, outstanding instrumentals, well-dressed individuals, and sparkling harmonies. The comedy comes from the witty banter, but when the WIUO bursts into song the sweet sounds can silence a room in a nanosecond, or bring a crowd of thousands to their feet.
The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra was formed in late 2005 by proud Wellingtonians Age Pryor (Fly My Pretties, The Woolshed Sessions) and Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords, The Black Seeds).
Over the next six months, the orchestra grew to its current 12 members, who also include Daniel Yeabsley (Twinset), Stephen Jessup (Windy City Strugglers), Bek Coogan (Cortina), Sam Auger (The Lonesome Cowboy), plus photographer Andy Morley-Hall, designer and eco-superstar Megan Hosking, actor and playwright Nigel Collins, filmmaker Gemma Gracewood, whip-cracker and project manager Carmel Russell, and nurse and animator Francis Salole.
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