Auckland Phil Announces Singing Stars for Back to The 80s

The ultimate night of shoulder pads, synth and symphony is coming to the Aotea Centre on 14 November at Auckland Philharmonia’s Back to the 80s concert, presented by Barfoot & Thompson. Bringing their powerhouse vocals to this retro party night, Bella Kalolo, Maaka Pohatu and Dillon Rhodes will perform the decade’s greatest dance classics and ballads alongside the symphonic splendour of the Auckland Philharmonia.

Award-winning singer-songwriter, actress and creative Bella Kalolo is a captivating performer and exceptionally talented vocalist, who many will recognise from her acting roles in feature films and as Selina To’a in the Shortland Street TV Series. As a vocalist, Bella has shared the stage with internationally renowned artists, including Ciara, Mos Def, Chaka Khan, Angie Stone, Renée Geyer and Fat Freddy’s Drop, and showcased her sublime soulful vocals in Auckland Phil’s sold-out 2021 Aretha concert. She has performed at major international festivals and was twice awarded Best Pacific Female Artist at the Pacific Music Awards.

Best known for his role as Sergeant Maaka in the What We Do in the Shadows spin-off series Wellington Paranormal, celebrated actor Maaka Pohatu is also a professional musician and a member of popular show band Modern Māori Quartet. Maaka has also performed in a wide range of theatrical productions, most recently playing Macduff in Auckland Theatre Company’s production of Macbeth.

Frontman of funk ensemble Hipstamatics, Dillon Rhodes has ignited stages with his infectious energy for over a decade, rising to national fame when he appeared on The Voice Australia in 2023. Many will recall his electrifying performance in Auckland Philharmonia’s Boogie Wonderland: Disco Ball event in 2024, and he makes a welcome return to bring his incredible vocals to this night of 80s hits.

These three sensational Kiwi vocalists will be performing with Auckland Philharmonia a setlist of hits, including Madonna’s Material Girl, Huey Lewis’ The Power of Love, Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time, Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love and much more, orchestrated by Grammy© winner Jeff Tyzik.

Book now for this power-packed evening with the Auckland Phil at aucklandphil.nz

CONCERT DETAILS:

Barfoot & Thompson presents: Back to the 80s

7.30pm, Saturday 14 November 2026
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre

Presented in association with Coast FM

Conductor David Kay

Featuring guest artists

Bella Kalolo
Maaka Pohatu
and Dillon Rhodes

Main Photo Credit: Thomas Hamill