Orchestra, choir combine for Hamilton concert

Waikato Proms returns to Founders Theatre with two prominent Hamilton music organisations - the Cantando Choir and Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra, plus young soloists, Melanie Lina and Anna Hawkins.

Tomorrow Founders' stage will be filled with more than 200 local performers, all under the baton of musical director Rupert D'Cruze.

The evening promises a gala concert of popular music culminating in a rousing finale of Proms favourites with all the flamboyance and audience-participation of the traditional Last Night of the Proms.

A highlight of the first half is American pianist Melanie Lina performing with the orchestra in American composer George Gershwin's famous Rhapsody in Blue.

Formerly from Missouri, Lina has won the hearts of audiences in the Waikato and throughout the North Island, appearing as an accompanist and soloist.

Soprano Anna Hawkins will perform a range of popular opera classics and traditional songs, accompanied by the orchestra, as well as leading the audience in the Proms favourites.

Hawkins, originally from the Waikato, has received rave reviews for her performances during recent years.

There's a New Zealand flavour with interesting new arrangements of Pokarekare Ana and Hine e Hine, a choral piece about Matariki by Hamilton composer Janet Jennings, and Douglas Lilburn's Aotearoa Overture.

This is music that will entertain and delight music-lovers of any age.

No Proms concert would be complete without a finale of traditional Last Night of the Proms items, exhorting the audience to join in the passionate bobbing, singing, tooting and flag-waving.

The audience is being encouraged to dress in Proms attire, complete with flags, tooters, whistles and balloons and enjoy a great night of entertainment.

Tickets from Ticketek - phone 0800 842538 or www.ticketek.co.nz.