Past Seasons

2016: Messiah

Messiah concert banner

 

What would Christmas be without Handel’s Messiah? Jubilantly premiered in 1742, the work is not just an oratorio, but an institution, as Christmassy as plum pudding and as English as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

The oft-repeated story that King George II shot to his feet when the Hallelujah Chorus broke out marks such a glorious moment that you feel that if it’s not true, well it should be.

And there are the other well-loved solos and choruses too: “For Unto Us a Child is Born”, “Rejoice Greatly”… a whole string of unforgettable musical treats up to and including the final “Amen” chorus.

Let the spirit of Christmas begin …

Cassandra Extavour, Soprano
Bianca Andrew, Mezzo-Soprano
Manase Latu, Tenor
James Ioelu, Bass
Auckland Choral
Pipers Sinfonia
Uwe Grodd, Conductor

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.co.nz or phone 09 970 9700.
Prices $42-95, concessions available.

 

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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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