Television, Songwriting and Theatre
Television
Peter made his live television debut at 18 with his band Charisma, on the very popular New Zealand television show "Ready to Roll". Peter's popularity lead to numerous special guest appearances on every major pop and rock 'n' roll television show in New Zealand including, "12 Bar Rhythm and Shoes", "The Richard Eriwata Show", "The Ray Wolfe Show", and "Hui Pacific".
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During 1985, in recognition of Peter's talents as a vocalist and percussionist he was asked by Television New Zealand to host his own television music special. "Everybody Likes Some Kind of Music" showcased Peter's amazing talents and made him a household name in New Zealand. Peter's guests on the show included 11 year old Roslyn Mahe (2004 XFactor finalist), the popular New Zealand performer Beaver and the now internationally acclaimed Annie Crummer. Peter also made guest appearances on the "Billy T James Show", "Why Stay Home on a Friday Night" and Television New Zealand soul tribute show "Sweet Soul Music". Peter performed the theme song "This is the Moment" live at the opening and closing ceremonies of the world televised Commonwealth Games in New Zealand. Peter's velvet voice was heard each morning on Television New Zealand singing the national anthem for many years - a true testimonial to his immense popularity. Peter was also the voice of many national television jingles and advertising campaigns including Lotto, L&P Soft Drink, McDonalds and the New Zealand Government's Return to Teaching campaign.
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A highlight of 2006, saw Peter's 10 piece soul funk band "BumpCity" appear live as special guests on the Australia national Channel 9 "Mornings with Kerri-Anne Show".
SongwritingIn recognition of his talents as a songwriter, Peter was asked by New Zealand Broadcasting in 1984 to host and record a series of programs "Peter Morgan and Friends" to showcase his original material. One of these compositions "Eversince" was performed and recorded live on the popular television show "Why Stay Home Friday Night" with the well known Rotorua Band "Kairo" in the late 1980's. Peter's pride in his Maori heritage is strong and evident in his songwriting. Peter wrote the song Te Pahunui for the Television New Zealand documentary "Te Pahu" - the Maori Drum. Peter has written songs that have the ability to connect with audiences of all ages. In recent years Peter has produced and delivered hundreds of performances to young children and workshops to teachers. Through these performances and workshops, Peter has been motivated to write children's songs which bring a richness of culture and meaning to music for young children. |
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In 2004 Peter wrote, produced and recorded an original CD of multicultural children's songs "Te Huanui - The Path". The Hello Song from "Te Huanui - The Path" has received great acclaim in Australia. The Hello Song was selected from thousands of entries in the 26th Australian National Songwriting Contest 2006 and was placed in the top 10 finalists. The "Hello Song" was also selected to feature in a film funded by the Australian Federal Department of Imigration and Indigenous Affairs. This film is a new government initiative and will be shown to new migrants to Australia and will also feature in the federally funded Adult Migrant English Program.
:: Click to listen to "Te Huanui The Path" ::
Theatre
Peter's professional theatre debut in 1982 in the New Zealand Mercury Theatre production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" brought him national acclaim. He was described as "the theatre find of the year" by the New Zealand Herald in recognition of his stellar performance. Peter's expressive, soulful voice complemented the depth of emotion he displayed in the demanding role of Judas. After the very successful season of "Jesus Christ Superstar", Peter returned to his first passion of performing live in nightclubs and on television.
"Peter has always had a professional approach to the entertainment industry which demands reliability, creativity and an ability to work with other artists."
Chris Cooper, Producer Entertainment Department, Television New Zealand.
