The Wanganui Lyric Singers, in support of Riding for the Disabled, will present the Riding High concert on Saturday, November 8 in Christ Church, Wicksteed St, at 2pm, part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Wanganui branch of RFD. Concert guest artists are mezzo-soprano Hayley Sellars and youthful violinist ShontaeArthur. Hayley is studying at Waikato University for a Bachelor of Music, majoring in operatic Performance. Over the years she has developed a richness of voice due not only to natural ability but also to the music lessons she has undertaken from an early age. Hayley first sang on stage at the age of six. Then followed singing lessons from Dee Gray in Wanganui and later from Linden Loader in Wellington. She was part of the New Zealand Young Musicians Programme in 2011 and 2012 and was also in the New Zealand Youth Drama School in 2010, 2011 and 2013. She has been a cast member in several stage shows including The Sound of Music, Chicago, Grease, The White Lady and The Magic Flute. Twelve-year-old Shontae Arthur developed a passion for the violin when aged seven and was first taught by Marice Hill, then by her sister Caitlin. Shontae is home schooled which allows more time for practice. She received the award for the Most Promising Instrumentalist at the Wanganui Competitions in 2013. Last year Shontae was considered good enough to join the Manawatu Youth Orchestra, while this year she has joined more senior instrumentalists in the Wanganui Orchestra under the experienced baton of Errol Christensen. ¦Tickets for the November 8 Riding High concert are $15 for adults, with children free.
