Signature Choir’s Mana Moana mesmerises Melbourne crowd

The spirit of the moana was alive beneath Melbourne’s starry sky as The Signature Choir delivered a transcendent performance of Mana Moana at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday night.

In collaboration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and hosted by award-winning comedian Tofiga Fepulea’i of 531pi Island Time, the 90-strong choir filled the venue air with soaring harmonies and a powerful tribute to the songs of the Pacific.

“Melbourne you really showed up and showed out,” the choir said in a social media post. “Last night (Saturday), the energy, the love, the vibes…unmatched!! We’ll be holding onto this one for a long time.”

The 8000-capacity lawn created a uniquely communal atmosphere. Unlike the large arenas of past Mana Moana shows, the Music Bowl offered a space for picnic blankets, dancing, and shared joy under the open sky.

Footage of the crowd lost in dance and song quickly went viral, accompanied by heartfelt reactions online.

“I am so glad I was able to take my daughter who’s 7,” Lovey Ranui wrote. “She’s Māori/Sāmoan and last night I seen in her eyes how happy and excited she was. She stood throughout the whole show dancing, singing, clapping, and cheering on. Thank you Mana Moana for making my girl proud and happy.”

Even Melbourne’s brief, unscripted rain failed to dampen spirits.

“What a wonderful evening! The community feel and Islander vibe was in full swing. We laughed, we cried, we danced and our hearts were full,” Tracy Gauci wrote.

Audience enthusiasm has sparked calls for Mana Moana to tour other cities in Australia, with the Signature Choir hinting that Brisbane could be next.

Since its debut in 2023 with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Mana Moana has sold out arenas, earned standing ovations, and become a celebration of Pacific identity, resilience, and unity.

The New Zealand members of the ensemble are expected back in the country in the coming days. The Signature Choir has not yet announced dates for future performances.