Love of singing celebrated

Royal Dunedin Male Choir, Dunedin Harmony Chorus, St Paul’s Cathedral, Friday, September 15.

A well-filled St Paul’s Cathedral was the venue for a big choral event on Friday evening when the New Zealand Male Choir (NZMC) joined with Royal Dunedin Male Choir (director John Buchanan) and Dunedin Harmony Chorus (director Lisa Johnson) to present a variety programme of vocal favourites.

The NZMC comprises 40 auditioned voices from both the North and South Island — the most northern member being from Whangarei and the most southern from the Catlins area. They meet monthly and are on a short tour with musical director Joseph Christiansen and accompanist Alison Holden.

Christiansen compered and stressed the joys of choral singing and in particular joining with other choirs in the regions they visit. The previous evening in Wanaka had shared their programme with the Mount Aspiring College choir (directed by Jo Waide).

A suave harmonic delivery of On the Street Where You Live began the concert, followed by And So It Goes (Billy Joel). A varied range of choral arrangements included several African-American spirituals, an operatic chorus from Beethoven’s opera Fidelio, Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat, Mack the Knife and the traditional Scottish Follow the Gourd with strong unison highlights. All items were from memory with intricate part-singing and impressive dynamic contrasts.

Dunedin Harmony Chorus contributions included the international Sweet Adelines’ favourite It Is Well With My Soul and they combined with NZMC for the traditional waiata Pokarekare Ana. Pianist Linda Folland accompanied the Dunedin male choir for two items — Alleluia, Alleluia and the traditional Carrickfergus, both items achieving well-balanced textural harmony, and they joined NZMC for Homeward Bound and You Do Not Walk Alone. Altogether an enjoyable concert, celebrating the love of choral singing.