Classical-crossover singer and member of the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, Rebecca Nelson, has revealed her nationwide Poppies & Pōhutukawa Tour, where she will perform in three of the most stunning churches around New Zealand.

Starting in her hometown, Christchurch, Rebecca will perform at Knox Church on August 11, then up to Wellington at Old St Paul’s on August 18 and finishing in Auckland at St Mary’s Holy Trinity on August 20.

Rebecca commented "I'm so excited to be doing my first tour since the release of my new album Poppies and Pōhutukawa. I'm really looking forward to performing in these beautiful venues and can't wait to see you there."

Rebecca’s recently album, Poppies & Pōhutukawa, which reached #5 on the Official NZ Top 40 Album Chart, is an important collection of songs Rebecca has had the privilege of performing at commemorations around the world as a representative of New Zealand. Poppies & Pōhutukawa also includes the thought provoking title track, ‘Poppies & Pōhutukawa,’ written by Christchurch based veteran Chris Mullane. Originally a poem which was put to music by the New Zealand Army Band.

Introduced to the magic of the stage at just four years old by her grandmother, the idea of a career in music was planted early in Nelson’s mind. Having become inspired by performances such as Shirley Jones’s ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and then at 15 by the rise of Welsh singer Charlotte Church it became evident that this was a very serious option.

Now 29, Rebecca’s determination and love for her craft has taken her on the unusual path from busker to performing for royalty (Prince Charles and Prince Harry), singing alongside fellow kiwis Sol3 Mio and national anthems at international rugby matches (for the Irish team, French team, and All Blacks), being chosen as the Royal New Zealand Navy Band’s official singer, and in turn performing at ANZAC commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015 and in France at the 100 year commemorations of the Battle of the Somme last year.

With a true passion for war time music and a genuine desire to keep the songs, stories and memories of veterans alive, Rebecca Nelson has become a true star within the military community.

Rebecca Nelson

Friday August 11th: Knox Church, Christchurch

Friday August 18th: Old St Paul's, Wellington

Sunday August 20th: St Mary's Holy Trinity, Auckland

Tickets via Ticketmaster