No Man's Land

In a nutshell:
Massive global musical event / Border-breaking collaboration / Love letter to peace

"We see so-called enemies offering each other water, a cigarette, a shoulder to lean on … all in what must be one of the most bizarre and dangerous inventions of the human mind; a place called no man’s land." - John Psathas

New Zealand has never witnessed a world music collaboration like this before. John Psathas’ “love letter to peace” features international musicians performing live alongside 150 virtual musicians from more than 20 countries, including Serj Tankian (Lebanon/Armenia/ USA), Meeta Pandit (India), UNESCO Artist for Peace Márta Sebestyén (Hungary) and Refugees of Rap (Syria/Palestine). 

No Man’s Land brings together the descendants of opposing forces in World War I and reunites them in friendship and musical exchange on the sites where their forefathers fought a century ago.

Director Jasmine Millet and cinematographer Mathew Knight filmed musicians around the globe and they will be projected, and their sound integrated, into the live performances on the Auckland Town Hall stage. Together these virtual and live performers create an international orchestra performing music that leaps musical genres as it does borders, from folk to jazz to rock and classical.

Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime event that brings the world together for peace through the uplifting music of John Psathas.

Click here to see the full list of musicians and filming locations.

Click here to watch the trailers.

There will be a post-show talk with John Psathas and Serj Tankian. 

Produced by Victoria University of Wellington, with support from the Lottery Grants Board, Adrian Durham, the British High Commission, the Polish Embassy, the French Embassy, the New Zealand-France Friendship Fund and Radio New Zealand Concert.

Photographs: Mathew Knight and Jeff Avery