Jess says she has been on the conducting team for Rotorua District Choir since 2018, and feels she has been "building up" to this concert.
"It's full of pieces that I've always wanted us to perform, but have not felt confident enough to put together.
"However, we had the opportunity to give this concert an unusually long rehearsal run - over three months - and this made me bite the bullet and put in all of my favourite pieces, knowing we'd have enough time to work through any issues."
She says the results have been amazing.
"The choir has really got on board with the challenge, and we'll be able to showcase some really wonderful pieces of music."
Jess says the name, Reflections of Light, is meant to evoke the beautiful, ethereal nature to most of the pieces but has also grown in meaning since the pandemic, as we've been pushed to appreciate and reflect on the positives around us.
"We're the only country in the world where performances like this are possible, as choirs globally have been put on hold due to the heightened risk of spreading Covid through singing, and so we really do feel lucky that we have this opportunity.
"The concert will be a real treat; a selection of songs, poems and solo pieces, including a new piece from Taupo-based composer Fergus Byett and local poet Amanda Hunt reading some of her work.
"We'll also have local student, Rosa Hook, as our guest violinist."
The details
What: Rotorua District Choir Concert
When: Saturday, May 29, 7pm, and Sunday, May 30th, 2pm
Where: St Luke's Church
Entry: $20 entry, free for school age children. Admission by programme available at the door
