Global focus for concert series

Maestro: guest artists for the Central Otago Regional Choir’s May concert series include pianist Cameron Montheath. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The Central Otago Regional Choir’s May concert series "A World of Song – from Sweden to Samoa" will feature conductor Richard Madden leading the singers through 12 traditional songs in seven languages.

With some pieces a cappella and others accompanied by talented pianist Alison Frude, the programme would offer a blend of familiar and rare music.

Classics, including Wairua Tapu, Londonderry Air, Shenandoah and Loch Lomond would be heard along with the less well-known Varmlandsvisen, which described the Swedish Lakes District, and Japan’s Teiichi Okano’s a cappella Furusato, arranged by Bob Chilcott.

The performance would begin with the the Negro spiritual Little David, Play on Yo’ Harp and culminate with the Samoan dance song Minoi Minoi.

The choir offers to four University of Otago music students a scholarship and opportunity to perform at one of the choir’s biennial performances.

The May concert would feature the first two of the four scholars – mezzo soprano Natasha Manowitz and cellist Portia Bell.

Graduate Cameron Monteath, would accompany both in what may his last performance with the choir for some time as he was exploring overseas opportunities.