The Kowhai Singers have had plenty of time to rehearse.
Warkworth’s Kowhai Singers return this month for the first time since the Covid-19 lockdown with two highly anticipated concerts.
The Festival Jubilate concerts will be held at both the Leigh Community Hall, at 7.30pm on Friday, May 28, and at the Warkworth Town Hall, at 4pm on Sunday, May 30.
The concert will be under the baton of musical director Amy Cottingham and accompanied by acclaimed local pianist Fiona Strathern.
Choir member Jon Bennett says the concert will feature an eclectic mix of music selections, from modern and sacred choral to light classical works.
“The concert’s namesake is a rousing and joyful Latin choral composition by David Giardiniere,” he says.
Other notable pieces include a lilting version of the traditional Londonderry Air, Mozart’s dramatic Lacrimosa and the “hauntingly beautiful” O Radiant Dawn by Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan.
“We are also delighted to present pieces by New Zealand composers Jenny Mcleod and David Hamilton,” Jon says.
“And we will finally get the chance to perform several items we started rehearsing over a year ago, but couldn’t perform due to Covid lockdowns.”
These pieces include four choruses from Johann Strauss’s comic operetta Die Fledermaus, a serene selection by impressionist composer Claude Debussy and a traditional a cappella piece by English Renaissance composer Christopher Tye.
“We are so enjoying the rehearsal schedules inspired by Amy’s enthusiasm and expertise,” Jon says.
Tickets are $20 from Briar Rose Flowers in Warkworth, from choir members or at the door. School students are free.
