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The Kowhai Singers are promising to bring much-needed light and hope to local audiences in their upcoming concert, Illuminare, at Warkworth Town Hall on Saturday, November 22 at 7.30pm.
In a moving programme, the choral ensemble will explore the journey from darkness into light via choral reflections on hope, faith and renewal.
Highlights include The Road Home by Stephen Paulus, which conductor Ken Leech says is a poignant reminder that no matter how far anyone might wander, there is always a pathway back, and eternal favourite You’ll Never Walk Alone, originally from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel.
Morten Lauridsen’s Sure on This Shining Night brings a message of wonder and comfort amid solitude, while faith and resilience shine through in Kim André Arnesen’s Even When He Is Silent, an eight-part work affirming belief in love, light and God even in times of silence.
Other works will in the packed programme include This Little Light of Mine, arranged by Mark Hayes, Gaelic Blessing by John Rutter and the Prayer of St Francis, arranged by Allen Pote.
The concert culminates in Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare, a contemporary five-movement piece for chorus and chamber orchestra. Drawing on sacred Latin, Greek and English texts, Hagenberg’s music traces a journey through beauty, darkness and renewal as light gradually returns to restore hope and peace.
The Kowhai Singers will be accompanied by distinguished local musician Dr John Wells on grand piano and an 11-piece chamber orchestra.
Tickets are $25 in advance from www.kowhaisingers.org.nz or Briar Rose Flowers in Warkworth, and $30 at the door, cash only.
