Residents filled the sunlit atrium at Ryman’s Malvina Major Village for the chance to see Dame Malvina in person at a wonderful music-filled celebration.
As well as a new painting of the renowned New Zealand opera singer to unveil, the village was celebrating the recent arrival of two show dresses of Dame Malvina’s that were newly on display, plus another portrait that she had previously donated.
Residents were treated to three songs by the Malvina Major Village Choir followed by a stunning performance from soprano opera singer Jasmine Jessen, accompanied by Bruce Greenfield on piano.
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Village Manager Albie Calope spoke of the long relationship that Ryman had enjoyed with Dame Malvina, spanning back to 1999 when the Khandallah, Wellington village – the first of Ryman’s North Island villages – officially opened.
Since then, Dame Malvina has performed at 26 Ryman village grand openings while Ryman has been a loyal backer of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation, supporting numerous trainee opera singers on their journey.
“Dame Malvina's achievements have made her one of New Zealand's most admired performers, but what makes this so special is the connection she continues to have with our village community,” said Albie.
“These artworks and treasured stage gowns celebrate an extraordinary legacy while inspiring current and future generations who call Malvina Major Village home.”
Albie said the occasion was also a chance to celebrate the achievements of the village team who were just nominated for Ryman’s Village of the Year award for the second time after winning it in 2022.
Last year the village was also named finalist in the NZ’s Best Awards for best medium/large aged care facility in the North Island, while Albie himself has been honoured individually too.
In 2019, he was the inaugural winner of the Kevin Hickman Award, a prestigious award named after Ryman co-founder which recognises people who’ve shown excellence in care and leadership while at the same time promoting empathy and kindness.
“I am incredibly proud to lead this village with the most beautiful residents for an amazing company like Ryman. And I couldn’t have done any of it without the wonderful team that works alongside me,” said Albie.
“To do all that while honouring the great Dame Malvina Major is truly a privilege and something that I feel proud to do.
While Dame Malvina now lives at Ryman’s Jean Sandel Village in New Plymouth, she was in town with her assistance dog Patch and daughter Alicia Holland to attend the opera Manon the following day, so it was the perfect opportunity to drop in to ‘her’ village to say hello.
It was also the chance to catch up with a long-time friend who is now a resident in the village. Angela Gorton, a former trustee of the DMMF and head of Canterbury Opera, was thrilled to see her, enjoying an emotional hug and reminiscences.
After unveiling the newest portrait, painted by Auckland artist Craig Primrose QSM, Dame Malvina joked that her hair was no longer the same colour!
She thanked everyone at the village who had been involved with the event and talked about those who had encouraged her singing work over the years.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful people, many of whom have helped young singers and musicians find their way.
“My thanks to those who have accompanied, taught, organised, supported and believed in that work over many years.
“And thank you to Malvina Major – the Village,” she laughed. “It has been lovely to share some memories with you, and even better to see such warmth in the room.
“Please keep well, keep singing if you can, and make sure they look after you properly, and ring me if they don’t!”
Team members were also excited at the chance of a selfie with their village namesake including senior caregiver Jacq Manzano who said the pair had recently had a funny exchange on the phone.
“I answered the phone saying Malvina Major and then she said it’s Malvina Major. And I said yes, it’s Malvina Major, and this went on about three or four times,” laughed Jacq.
Residents Lesley Page and Barbara Gorman, who live next door to each other at the village, said how much they enjoyed the afternoon.
“It was just fantastic, the singing was exceptional. We feel very lucky to have this experience right here in the village.”