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.