The Dunedin RSA Choir’s concert in St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday made a special ending to Dunedin’s Anzac Day, including their traditional "Ceremony of Remembrance".
Against a backdrop of soft red lighting, military ensigns and a large red poppy, the opening number was a commanding organ performance (David Burchell) with trumpet (Ralph Miller) of La Majeste, by Telemann.
The choir (directed by Karen Knudson with accompanist Sandra Crawshaw) followed, with Anthem from Chess. Choir items were all enhanced by adding a guest soloist (with microphone) and choir scholar tenor Teddy Finney-Waters lifted and consolidated this popular number and also in Alwyn Humphreys’ arrangement of The Wonder of You.
He also sang three contrasting solos — Der Neugierige by Schubert, Mozart aria Vedrommi Intorno and Life Laughs Onward, by Finzi. A fine young tenor voice which resonated with excellence in the cathedral.
Tessa Romano (mezzo-soprano) also complemented the 40-member choir in I Dreamed a Dream. Her solo items were Oracion de Las Madres, by de Falla, Weeping Angel, and E Whiti e te Ra, a contemporary Māori number by Thomas Aerepo-Morgan.
Dunedin Harmony Choir (director Robyn Abernethy) guest contribution included a harmonised arrangement of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and also joined the choir in Let There Be Peace on Earth and Take Me Home.
A highlight was Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White, arranged by Diego Marani, for trumpet and piano. Miller’s virtuosic glissandi were incredible and Crawshaw was in overdrive.
The "Ceremony of Remembrance" segment began with a strong delivery of Charge from The Armed Man (Jenkins), with organ, trumpet and soprano. Finney-Waters contributed Prayer of the Children and the choir sang Midnight. Anzac sentiment was reinforced with The Ode, Last Post and Reveille.
The well-attended concert (compered by Kevin Tansley) ended with a strong rendition by all in a choral arrangement (Knudson) of If I Had Words by Saint-Saens.
Review by Elizabeth Bouman
