Kowhai Singers spin tales

Kowhai Singers are led by musical director Ken Leech.

Music lovers are invited to settle in for an evening, or afternoon, of storytelling through song as the Kowhai Singers present their upcoming concert, Story Time.

The programme has been carefully chosen for its storytelling charm, weaving together humour, nostalgia, poetry and a dash of nonsense in colourful choral arrangements.

Among the highlights is The Jabberwocky, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s famous poem. The piece captures the playful absurdity and dramatic flair of Carroll’s inventive language. In a gentler mood, the choir will perform Yesterday, the beloved Beatles classic that reflects wistfully on love and memory.

Literary inspiration continues with The Owl and the Pussycat, based on Edward Lear’s whimsical poem, while a distinctly New Zealand voice appears in The Mock Turtle Song by composer Chris Artley.

Adding a nostalgic touch to the programme is The Teddy Bears’ Picnic, a favourite sure to spark fond childhood memories.

The Kowhai Singers will be joined by special guests from Horizon Primary School, whose youthful voices will add energy and freshness to the performances. Accompanist Megan Quatermass will provide the musical foundation at the piano.

Organisers say the concert has been designed to appeal to a wide audience, from literature lovers and Beatles fans to families looking for an entertaining live performance.

Looking further ahead, the choir is already preparing for an inspiring Choral Classics concert in August, followed by a major performance of Joseph Haydn’s The Creation in November.

For now, however, the focus is on Story Time – an opportunity for audiences in Warkworth and Leigh to experience the magic of storytelling through music.

The programme will be performed in Warkworth on May 16 at 7.30pm and again in Leigh on May 17 at 4pm.