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Classical music lovers in the Mahurangi area are in for a treat next month when the Kowhai Choir, under the direction of Ken Leech, presents Theresienmesse, a mass in B-flat major written by Joseph Haydn.
The Theresa mass is named after Maria Theresa of the Two Sicilies, empress consort of Francis II, of Austria. The empress herself was a soprano soloist at private performances.
Leech describes the mass as an extraordinarily beautiful work with fugues, arias, florid bel canto lines, and dramatic contrasts.
“It is one of my favourite pieces of choral music,” he says. “It is scored for choir, four soloists and orchestra although the ‘orchestra’ will be the world-renowned Dr John Wells, a local resident of Mahurangi, on digital organ.”
The soloists will be soprano Elizabeth Mandeno, who has sung with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and alto Alanah Jones, who is currently a member of the Auckland Chamber Choir and sings professionally with St Matthew’s Voices and Auckland Choral.
Joining them will be the youngest of the famous Fonoti-Fuiamaono brothers, tenor Jordan, who is currently studying at the University of Waikato’s Conservatorium of Music, and rising bass singer Miles Timmis, a recent graduate of the Auckland University majoring in classical voice.
“This is going to be a great concert, so don’t delay in securing your ticket,” Leech says.
The concert will be held in the Warkworth Town Hall on Saturday, May 11, starting at 7.30pm.
Pre-concert tickets are available from Eventbrite, Briar Rose Flowers in Warkworth and from choir members for $25. Tickets on the door will be $30 (cash only)
Info: m_rjones@xtra.co.nz
