Marriage for Marilyn [1]
Saturday, September 26, 1998 - 11:30. Updated on Sunday, December 6, 2015 - 16:30.
From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 13, no. 3, October 1998.
International pianist, Dr Marilyn Meier, has married an ‘Atenisi arts student, Tevita Tulikihakau, whom she met in Brisbane, last January.
Marilyn, who is well-known as a concert pianist in Australia and other countries, said that Tevita, whom she calls simply “T”, was with a group from the ‘Atenisi Foundation for Performing Arts which toured New Zealand and Australia last Christmas. Sisi‘uno Helu, the music director, invited Marilyn to play with the group. What followed is the tale of the two lovers who have to climb mountains and swim oceans infested with sharks in order to be together. “We eloped, left Australia and finally married in a registry office in Auckland on June 17. It was just a simple wedding ceremony, we did not want to do anything too fancy and expensive,” said Marilyn. The newly-weds eventually made their way to Tonga for the Heilala Festival where Marilyn performed at the Royal Recital.
Marilyn returned to Australia on July 22 where she teaches at the Wesley Institute for Ministry and Art. Meanwhile, Tevita hopes to graduate with an ‘Atenisi diploma this year.