The UGA Performing Arts Center will present the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. in Hodgson Concert Hall. Combining charming Kiwi humor with expert musicality, the WIUO presents the ukulele as it’s never been played before, featuring songs made famous by such diverse artists as Justin Timberlake, Dolly Parton, Elvis, the Beatles, Cyndi Lauper, Prince and Kings of Leon.
Tickets for the WIUO performance are $25-$35 and are discounted for UGA students. Tickets can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center, online at pac.uga.edu or by calling the box office at 706-542-4400.
The concept for the WIUO began in 2005 in a small Wellington, New Zealand, cafe when musician Age Pryor hatched the idea with his friend Bret McKenzie, one-half of the Grammy-winning duo Flight of the Conchords. Within a few months, a dozen of the city’s most beguiling personalities had gathered to lovingly interpret hit songs from across the musical generations, adding in a healthy dose of comedy.
The orchestra’s signature sound features many types of ukuleles, a double bass and a host of voices performing harmonious and hilarious renditions of modern and traditional tunes. Outrageous costumes also are part of the WIUO appeal.
The WIUO now has become one of New Zealand’s most popular live acts, touring throughout Australia and the United Kingdom. The band has performed sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Melbourne Comedy Festival and the New Zealand International Comedy Festival where it won the best local act award.
