Student variety in a great show

This concert was the perfect tonic for anyone needing a bit of revitalisation after a holiday break, as the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir made one of their rare appearances in Palmerston North.

They presented a hugely impressive programme, beautifully characterised by their infectious joy of music-making.

Halfway through the 2017/18 cycle of the choir, its 58 members are busily preparing for the World Choir Festival in Hong Kong in July, and if Sunday’s concert is anything to go by, much of the hard work has already been done.

The programme itself was superbly chosen, obviously designed to show the undoubted ability of the choir across a wide range of genres. It started with an exuberant performance ofkanaval, by the Haitian composer Sydney Guillaume, and continued through a variety of styles and languages.

A commanding presentation of Eric Whitacre’s Cloudburst preceded the thrilling climax of Unclouded Day, by JK Alwood.

Te reo Ma¯ ori works by Puanaki Whanau also featured, the beautifully moving waiata bracket being another highlight of the afternoon.

Also featured were two works especially commissioned for the choir – Spring Rain, by Eriks Esenvalds and Maia Soma E/malie Tagifa, a traditional work performed in Samoan and arranged by Stephen Rapana.

Throughout their concert the choir sang with great commitment, magnificent tone and technique and a marvellous feeling for the style of each work.