Wanaka’s Treble Tones choir is hosting Aquabella, an award-winning Berlin choir that performs world music and loves nothing more than resurrecting songs that have become lost in the mists of time.
Aquabella performs unaccompanied in 20 languages and have reclaimed many near-forgotten songs, some from cultures that no longer exist.
Aquabella was encouraged to tour New Zealand in February by Motueka chorister Verena Gruner, who has met Aquabella singers and attended a workshop in Berlin.
Ms Gruner sings with the Riverside community choir Inakord at Motueka, along with former Wanaka music teacher Nicola Wood, who mentioned Wanaka audiences might also like to hear the group.
Treble Tones jumped at the chance to learn from the German choristers.
Lake Hawea chorister Lindsey Schofield said there would be a workshop the day before the concert for anyone who enjoyed singing, either solo or in a choir.
The workshop would include simple international songs.
Participants would learn a variety of vocal techniques, such as open-throat technique (used by Bulgarian women’s choirs); shouting (African song); yodelling; clicking (sounds of the Xosa); and lyrical singing.
Stage presence, body language, rhythm and body percussion would also be taught.
Local choir members would join Aquabella on stage during the concert.
The singers are experienced choir leaders and music teachers.
They have a wide repertoire and a special interest in Eastern European and Scandinavian traditions.
- Aquabella women’s world music choir, Luggate Memorial Hall. "Singing without boundaries" — World Music Workshop, 7pm-9pm Thursday, February 15; Homeless Songs Find a Home — World Music Concert, 7pm, Friday, February 16. For more information, email Yvonne at gandyperk@gmail.com
