Kiwis and Kookaburras Presented by Wanganui Male Choir (Inc) Featuring Cleftomaniacs; St George's School Choir; and Brass Wanganui soloists. Central Baptist Church Sunday, July 5, 2pm
Reviewed by Joanna Love
This concert was proof that music is a great unifier, as choirs from Sydney and Whanganui successfully combined to present a
varied programme, which had wide appeal to a capacity audience. Complimenting these choirs were guest performances from St George's School Choir; a euphonium solo from Matthew Huirua; and a euphonium duet played by Matthew Huirua and Rose Wainhouse.
The Male Voice Choir opened the concert with a bracket of four unaccompanied songs with a mix of unison, part singing and humming. Rich sound, good intonation and effective dynamics, especially the humming in E Hara I Te Mea, made the waiata effective. Come to the Music was a more challenging piece, with tricky part singing, which the choir managed well.
Cleftomaniacs, comprising six men and eight women, presented two brackets with a mix of gospel, folk and popular songs. Colourful ties and scarves complimented their black outfits, with the vibrancy of the music matching their visual appeal. Microphones were used to enhance four solo voices in Lifeline, a song about the runaway slave, Harriet Tubman, who became known as the "Moses of her people" by freeing slaves through the Underground Railroad. The King's Singers arrangement of Blackbird featured a whistling solo tenor with backing harmonies and percussion from the remainder of the group. The second bracket involved audience participation singing the melody in I Can See Clearly Now, with visual prompts from director, Gary Smith, while the choir provided harmonic backing. Gary Smith came into his element when donning dark sunglasses for My Sharona, sung with the drive needed to make it effective. The Turtles' song Happy Together was the closing number for the second bracket, all of which was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
School holidays and sports' commitments presented a challenge for St George's School Choir, as only 11 out of 40 choristers were able to attend the concert. This in no way diminished their performance, as they confidently sang Purify My Heart, When a Knight Won His Spurs, I Am The Earth and the Israeli song Al Shlosha D'Varium, which states the world is sustained by truth, justice and peace. Megan Ormond and Laura Fawcett sang excellent solo parts with good intonation and diction. This choir is in its third year of direction by Megan Orme-Whitlock, St George's multi-talented DP and English teacher.
Matthew Huirua's euphonium solo Anna Karenina, composed in 1952 by Australian composer Helen Johnston, features Russian sounding melody lines, interspersed with cadenzas and off-beat syncopated passages. Matthew's precision and dedication has seen him emerge as an accomplished performer and this performance delighted the audience. Teaming up with Rose Wainhouse for the duet, Grand Duo Brilliant by Canivez, showed off a good blend and intonation in a musical, vibrant performance.
The Male Voice Choir second bracket of songs began with The Awakening, a dramatic choral arrangement with a rousing finish. The folk song Carrickfergus is a favourite for all, with All I Need Is the Girl and the humorous Five Foot Two thoroughly enjoyed by choir and audience alike. Special mention was made of the recent loss of David Dent, a treasured choir member, who will be sadly missed.
The final item in the concert, In Flanders Field displayed rich harmonies sung by the combined choirs. An audience sing-along of World War 1 songs made a fitting end to a marvellous concert. Abigail Livesay accompanied both the Male Voice Choir and St George's School Choir, providing secure, musical support for the vocalists. Judy Barrett's calm, professional approach as Musical Director of the Male Voice Choir ensures the choir are on their toes and able to thoroughly enjoy singing the music.
A delightful programme. Thank you everyone.