In 2020 the Rotary Club of Napier Donated $6000 to Project Prima Volta Trust.
The Trust was formed in Hawkes Bay to train teenagers in the art of Opera. The Director of PPV, Anna Pierard was recognised with a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2020.
In 2021 the club wished to acknowledge the work of Jose Aparicio (Anna’s husband) by recognising him as a Paul Harris Fellow.
The recognition of a Paul Harris Fellow is one of the highest honours that a Rotary Club can bestow upon a person, member or non-member.
It acknowledges and expresses appreciation to individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name of US$1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Jose’s award was funded by a Napier Rotary Club member.
Aparicio emigrated to NZ in 2009 and since then he has undertaken the positions of artistic Director of the Napier Civic Choir, principal conductor of the HB Orchestra and artistic director of festival opera and Project Pima volta. He has also conducted the St Matthews Chamber Orchestra, the NZ Doctors Orchestra, Hastings Boys high School and Iona College.
His understanding and knowledge of repertoire is extensive, his perspective one of both performer and Director feeling equally at home with opera, Choral and symphonic repertoire.
In 2018 the couple were awarded HB Today Person of the Year and now they are both Paul Harris Fellows of Rotary International.
Jose has earned this recognition for his leadership and skills in providing the joy of music to HB through Choir, Orchestra, Opera and his involvement with Project Prima Volta.
Article was written by David Sewell (Rotary Club of Napier)