Past Seasons

2015: Israel in Egypt

Israel in Egypt concert banner

 

‘Handel understands effect better than any of us; when he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt.’

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

 

It’s no secret that Auckland Choral enjoys the epic works of Handel; after all, we have sung Messiah since 1856! We open our season with the powerful Israel in Egypt. A precursor to Messiah, the work celebrates the Israelites’ escape by the parting of the Red Sea. In telling this tale, Handel draws on his considerable cache of choral skills with evocative fugues, antiphonal double choirs, thunderous choral homophony; he even portrays leaping frogs through word painting, where music imitates the imagery of the text.

 

It is a privilege to work with so much talent from the university of Auckland. Tonight the University of Auckland Symphony Orchestra accompanies Auckland Choral, along with a fantastic line-up of well-established and young soloists, including Morag Atchison, soprano and Dean Sky-lucas, countertenor.

 

Morag Atchison, Soprano

Madison Nonoa, Soprano

Dilys Fong, Alto

Dean Sky-Lucas, Countertenor

Manase Latu, Tenor

Benson Wilson, Bass

Ben Kubiak, Bass

 

Auckland Choral

University of Auckland Symphony Orchestra

Uwe Grodd, Conductor

 

Tuesday 10 March 8.00pm

Holy Trinity Cathedral

 

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Who we are: Get to know some of our choir members

  • Picture of Becky O'GramMy earliest memories of singing were car songs, where my sisters and I were squashed in the back of the car while my mother lead the chorus from the front. I started singing in small groups and choirs at age 12 for church events and friends' weddings. I've been a member of some form of choir ever since and now count myself very lucky to be a member of Auckland Choral. I joined in January 2017, with my first concert being the huge St John Passion by Bach. We performed it at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, in German! Singing out that first loud "Herr" gave me goose bumps and was an unforgettable experience. In December that year I got to perform in the Messiah for the first time and hope to do the same every Christmas for a long time to come.

     

  • Picture of Rachel HarrisonI am originally from the UK where I studied music. After a few years in London working in Orchestral Management the call of the sea became strong and I spent the next few years yachting. During my time in the Pacific I ended up sailing to New Zealand where I decided to step ashore and have called New Zealand home for just over 9 years. 

    During my time at sea I missed my music, but my clarinet playing days were long gone. I decided I would give singing a try, even though I was a little nervous of my abilities, so I approached Auckland Choral. As soon as I attended my first rehearsal I realised this is what I had been missing and have been a member of Auckland Choral ever since. Auckland Choral became a family to me, and I passionately supported it by being on the Management Committee for several years until May 2016, including Convener of the Music Committee. I love my Wednesday night rehearsals and being able to perform magical works in fabulous venues with friends!

     

  • Picture of John StevensonJohn has a passion for choral singing and has been a singing member of Auckland Choral for 30 years. He has been fully involved in the society throughout that time serving for 20 years on the Auckland Choral Management Committee, much of that time as Deputy Chairman of the Committee,, and for several years as Chairman of the Finance sub-committee. 

    John is a current Trustee of both Auckland Choral and Auckland Choral Foundation, the later as a founding supporter.

     
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