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Riley Elliott with Mako shark. Photo: Shawn Heinrichs

Presented by BBC Studios, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra & Auckland Live

SHARK EXPERT DR. RILEY ELLIOTT TO HOST BLUE PLANET II LIVE IN CONCERT

FEATURING BREATHTAKING FOOTAGE FROM THE BAFTA AWARD-WINNING BBC STUDIOS NATURAL HISTORY SERIES

MUSIC BY HANS ZIMMER, JACOB SHEA AND DAVID FLEMING FOR BLEEDING FINGERS

MUSIC PERFORMED BY AUCKLAND PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA (APO)

Local marine scientist and TV presenter, Dr. Riley Elliott has been announced as host for Blue Planet II Live in Concert, ahead of the highly anticipated upcoming Auckland shows. Presented by BBC Studios, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) and Auckland Live, Blue Planet II Live in Concert will take place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th April at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre.

Respected marine biologist, Riley Elliott has dedicated his life to the conservation of the ocean’s most formidable predator, the shark. His passion for sharks has seen him author a book, give a TEDX Talk, and film countless Shark Week shows for Discovery Channel, including a new 6 part series called Shark School. A go-to commentator on sharks in Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s Elliott’s mission to educate the public on the often-misunderstood species.   

Riley Elliott says, “It is an absolute privilege to narrate this incredible event.  The words and imagery of the BBC and David Attenborough are what inspired me to become a scientist of the natural world. It taught me the recipe of public communication of science using stimulating visual imagery. To do this now, on their stage, is a dream come true, but ultimately I hope it will engage the public, create awareness of our natural world and the struggles it faces, and ultimately inspire positive change and conservation, for nature and for ourselves.”

BBC Studios’ Acting Head of Live Entertainment Australia and New Zealand Louise Hill, says: “With his passion for the natural world, Riley is the perfect fit to take audiences on a journey through this amazing visual and musical experience, which combines awe-inspiring footage from the acclaimed Blue Planet II with the spectacular music score performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.”

Following the incredible success of the BAFTA-winning BBC Studios natural history series Blue Planet II, Blue Planet II Live in Concert will bring the wonders and mysteries of the planet’s oceans and its characterful inhabitants to the stage. Accompanied by the original immersive television music score by Bleeding Fingers Music, composed by Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and David Fleming, the concert will be performed live by the APO, and conducted by David Kay.

During the filming of the Blue Planet II television programme, film crews embarked on 125 expeditions in 39 countries, and spent over 6,000 hours of deep-sea diving armed with the latest state of the art filming and recording equipment.

A fantastical journey from icy polar seas to pulsating coral reefs, from the luminous deep sea to enormous kelp forests: take a deep breath and immerse yourself in a whole new world hidden beneath the surface of the sea.

Blue Planet II Live in Concert
7.30pm, Friday 9th and Saturday 10th April, 2021
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre

aucklandlive.co.nz/show/blue-planet-ii

Blue Planet II is a BBC Studios Natural History Unit Production.

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More Information

About BBC Studios APAC

Covering Australia, New Zealand and 23 countries across the Asia region, BBC Studios APAC is overseen by EVP Jon Penn. Operating from eight offices, with its main bases in Sydney, Beijing and Singapore, BBC Studios APAC comprises of Content Sales and Co-productions, Branded Services, Production, Format Sales, Consumer Products and Live Entertainment.

The BBC Studios business in Australia and New Zealand wholly owns seven channels: BBC First, BBC UKTV, BBC Earth and CBeebies on Foxtel and Fetch TV in Australia; BBC Brit on Fetch TV; and BBC UKTV and BBC Earth on Sky TV in New Zealand. It distributes great British content from the BBC and other British producers to free-to-air, subscription channels and SVOD platforms and works with partners to bring BBC Studios DVDs, consumer BBC Studios Limited trading as BBC Studios, Registered Number: 04463546 England 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, W12 7FA, United Kingdom bbcstudios.com products and live events to the local market. The production arm in Sydney produces BBC formats for the local market and creates new IP.


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About Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) is New Zealand’s designated metropolitan orchestra, serving Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau, the country’s largest and most vibrant city, with concerts and events throughout the year. The APO is also one of Auckland Live’s key resident companies, with its home in the Auckland Town Hall. 

APO presents more than 70 performances annually with a comprehensive season of symphonic work showcasing many of the world’s finest classical musicians as well as exciting collaborations with some of New Zealand’s most inventive contemporary artists. The APO is renowned for its innovation, passion and versatility.

Through its numerous APO Connecting (education, outreach and community) initiatives, it offers opportunities to more than 20,000 young people and adults nationwide.

More than 250,000 people hear the orchestra live each year, in the concert hall and through live streams and radio broadcasts. Many thousands more are reached through special events, recordings and other media.

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About Auckland Live

Auckland Live is a world-class leader in live arts and entertainment, and a major contributor to the cultural life and economic development of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau.

As custodians of some of Auckland’s most iconic event venues, it presents live arts performances and experiences that support the creative sector and provide opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the arts.

Accessibility is at the heart of everything Auckland Live does, and it takes pride in celebrating and showcasing the diversity of our communities, clients, stakeholders, and presenters.

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