Events Calendar

DIAMONDS Sharply contrasting songs in three languages and spanning three centuries feature in the Central Otago Regional Choir’s concerts to be held from May 12 -14.

Exquisite sacred songs by Ola Gjeilo open the programme, with conductor Richard Madden leading the choir sometimes à capella, at other times accompanied by Alison Frude on piano. Jazzy movie and show tunes follow with the inspiring addition of two local legends, Kate Lovell (bass) and Peter Doyle (drums). Mark Hayes’ arrangements bring renewed vitality to well-known numbers. The first half finishes with the song the concerts’ namesake Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend. In the second half it’s back in time to the 19th century for Robert Lucas de Pearsall’s richly harmonic 8-part unaccompanied madrigals Lay a Garland and Great God of Love. Again these are followed by a lighter selection from Lerner and Loewe and Henry Mancini, and Hayes works his magic on New York, New York and Summertime, with the rousing finale, Love Is A Many Splendored Thing. Dunedin born-and-raise guest soprano Cathy Highton-Sim has extensive experience performing and teaching here and abroad and her programme ranging from Mozart to Rodgers and Hart, will showcase her versatility. She will be accompanied by Otago final year music student and award winning composer, Cameron Monteath, who will also play Debussy’s Reflets dans l’eau from Images Book 1, displaying the talent which has seen him selected as a finalist in the Dunedin Concerto Competition. The choir is delighted to have Wanaka based chamber music group, Aspiring Quintet, to play two movements of Schubert’s Piano Trout Quintet.

The five members have performed in other small ensembles and orchestras, both amateur and professional, and are excited to be performing The Trout, a challenging work for all players. Members are Norie Haines (piano), Cameron Stanley (violin), Richard Howarth (viola), Brian Budd (cello) and Kate Lovell (double bass). Don’t miss this concert of familiar pieces that is sure to delight a wide range of choral music lovers. 

Arrowtown: Athenaeum Hall, Buckingham St, Friday, May 12 at 7.30pm 

Wanaka: Lake Wanaka Centre, Ardmore St, Saturday, May 13 at 7.30pm 

Alexandra: Dunstan High School, Enterprise St, Sunday, May 14 at. 2.30pm

Tickets ($30, school students free) available from choir members, Paper Plus, Wanaka & Cromwell; Life Pharmacy Wilkinsons, Queenstown; Unichem Summerfield’s Pharmacy, Frankton or Lakes District Museum, Arrowtown.  

Location

Alexandra, Wanaka and Arrowtown