Composer leads Warkworth women in song

Wellington-based composer and choral leader Carol Shortis will be in Warkworth this month to lead an evening of singing for women.

It will be held at the Warkworth Anglican Church on February 17 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, and both experienced and inexperienced singers are welcome.

Helping to organise the evening is co-leader of Kaipara Flats community choir Kai Rhythmix, Helen Diaz.

Helen, who met Carol through other singing activities, heard she was coming to Auckland and asked if she would include Warkworth in her itinerary.

“Carol is a musical inspiration,” Helen says.

“The way she embraces and supports women both learning to sing and those with experience, is amazing. She replenishes people’s musical lives.”

Carol is the director of Womansong, a women-only group of singers based in Newtown, Wellington and is the assistant director of the Wellington Community Choir.

As a choral composer, she has had works performed at international festivals and written new pieces for a number of Wellington choirs.

Carol says the songs are taught aurally and are from various traditions and eras.

“We sing folk music from the world’s cultures including Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe, as well having a particular focus on Celtic languages and music.”

Tickets are $20 if bought before the evening or $25 at the door.

Info: Helen Diaz 422 3225.

Pictured: From left, Elke Metzler, Shiraz Smith, Jan Olsen, Helen Diaz, Eleanor Diaz and Lisa Outwin are getting their voices ready for an evening of song on February 17.