New Zealand is in the midst of a love affair with the ukulele.
According to Independent Music New Zealand, the album A Little Bit of Wonderful by The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra was the biggest selling New Zealand record for the month of December.
"I think it speaks to all ages," says orchestra member Carmel Russell. "You look at any of our crowds and there are grandparents, children and parents with children who want to teach their children ukulele. So it's just a friendly cute little instrument."
The cute little instrument is so popular it surprised even the orchestra's members.
"I think the last time that the ukulele was at the top of the charts was 60 whole years ago," says Megan Hosking. "So that's several generations, or a couple, or one at least."
And even more albums were sold at a performance in Nelson this afternoon, where the crowd agreed that the orchestra is something special.
The orchestra first performed together in 2005 and intends to make 2009 its biggest year yet.
"We're hopefully going to get offshore later this year if we can," says Nigel Collins. "If the global money situation allows it, we'll be going over to the states."
And the orchestra is hoping that next Christmas once again they will be back at the top of the charts.
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