The former Dunedin bass-baritone singer said he was still coming to terms with his mother Tasi’s death earlier this year and it was an important reminder for him to take every opportunity he could to perform with his father Foalima while he was still able.
Prof Lemalu is deputy head of the vocal and opera department at the Royal College of Music, in London — one of the most prestigious music schools in the world.
So finding time amid his busy schedule of teaching and performing across Europe is no mean feat.
But he has shoe-horned November 7 into his diary, so he can perform with his father and the Dunedin RSA Choir at Knox Church.
"I offered to do this concert for Dad.
"It is important to have these moments to sing together, whether at concerts or at church.
"It doesn’t have to be in public. We have always sung and always will.
"I’ve grown up with many of the RSA members. The choir supported me when I first started — they’re a lovely bunch of young men."
Mr Lemalu said he was delighted to be performing on the same stage as his son again, as a bass at the back of the choir.
"I’m 91 this year and I’ve sort of slowed down now.
"My voice has been bad for quite a number of years now — not as it used to be — but I’m still trying.
"I’m very much looking forward to singing with Jon again."
Prof Lemalu said he had grown up singing with his father, but he did not get to do it as often since moving to London.
"Dad has a lovely bass voice and I am sure I got a lot of my singing genes from him.
"I remember him singing Elvis covers with his family band at church socials.
"I was his roadie and helped carry the speakers and guitar cases.
"We always had music and musical instruments in the house.
"He taught me to play drums, bass, even some guitar chords and he played organ at church for a while.
"Singing and music is a major part of our cultural and religious upbringing."
He said the performance with his father would be "a cathartic part of our remembrance and thanks for Mum and the community we belong to".
"She will be with us in spirit.
"I will make sure my shirt and suit is pressed, shoes are cleaned, and will wear a buttonhole flower that she often made for me — some of the many precious traditions Mum had for my performing."
During the concert, Prof Lemalu will perform some solo works with pianist Sandra Crawshaw and organist David Burchell, as well as some pieces with the Dunedin RSA Choir conducted by Karen Knudson.
"It will be a lovely evening to celebrate this lovely choir, its legacy and its members."
Asked if he and his father would be doing a duet together, he said, "not sure, you’ll have to come and see".
