Singing for Ukraine humanitarian aid

SOLO SPOT: Mezzosoprano Esther Hudson will feature in the Vivaldi Gloria, at St Andrew's Church on Sunday.

A reinvigorated Gisborne Choral Society is brushing up on its Ukrainian language for Sunday's concert, raising funds for humanitarian aid for that country.

The opening is a traditional prayer, set by noted British composer John Rutter for choirs around the world to use for that purpose.

English he may be, but he has cleverly drawn on the Eastern Orthodox Church style for passionately moving effect.

The centrepiece of the concert is over 200 years old.

The Gloria was written in 1715 by Antonio Vivaldi, perhaps best known as the composer of the most-often recorded music ever, The Seasons.

The Gloria is one of the best-loved choral works of the Baroque era, bright and uplifting. The varied short choral movements are interspersed with solos and a duet for sopranos Joanna Rosario and Serena Foster, and mezzosoprano Esther Hudson.

Also in the programme is a Ukrainian Christmas Carol, Carol of the Bells, a meditative Sure on this Shining Night by American composer Morten Lauridsen, a new piece by Nelson composer Chris Artley, On the Road of Life, the immortal Chorus of Hebrew Slaves by Giuseppe Verdi, and the closing prayer from Karl Jenkins' popular work, The Armed Man.

Accompaniments will be provided by Sean Scanlen at the St Andrew's organ, and Coralie Hunter at the piano.

The organ, under Scanlen's capable hands (and feet) can emulate the thrill of a powerful orchestra and the sweet subtlety of solo instruments, while the piano lends itself to romantic orchestral reductions and modern small-band effects.

The concert is at 2pm in St Andrew's church on Sunday, with afternoon tea to follow. Admission is free, with all koha proceeds going to the Red Cross Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

The Red Cross says 100 percent of funds donated will be used to help the people of Ukraine, with much of the funding directed to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies who are on the ground in Ukraine and neighbouring countries providing support to the many people in need.

This includes protecting and supporting the civilian population, including psychosocial support; distributing immediate relief such as food, water, bedding and other essential items to civilians, including those on the move; providing life-saving first aid to the wounded and sick, and re-establishing family links for people who have been separated from loved ones.