Strong supporting artists enhance excellent concert
THE Dunedin RSA Choir presented an excellent concert in the town hall on Saturday evening, conducted by David Burchell with pianist Johnny Mottershead and Simon Mace at the organ.
The choir of 70, with its average age of 71.6 years (two members aged 94), opened the programme on a classical note with arrangements of Creation’s Hymn (Beethoven) and Largo (Handel). Both lacked clarity in diction but compensated with enthusiasm and some thrilling unison passages, especially in the Beethoven. Later in the programme, Green Grow the Rushes O was a standout number.
Supporting artists add variety to the choir’s regular concerts, and include performances by voice students. One of this year’s choir scholars, Erica Paterson (accompanist Tom McGrath), presented a bracket of songs, filling the hall with strong soprano timbre, demonstrating impressive vocal growth and technique. A Swedish folk song rang with joyful colour and the Paisiello aria Donne Vaghe was interpreted with strength and confidence.
Guest artist Bevan Gardner was a popular performer, contributing a touch of country. My favourites were Vincent and his items with the choir, Country Roads and Annie’s Song. The Outcasts, a group of nine choir members (accompanied by Alison Paterson), entertained with three items and antics, particularly in Lily the Pink. A very professional and strong interlude came from 18 members of OGHS and OBHS kapa haka group Wairua Puhou.
Passchendaele was remembered with a short historical commentary, the reciting of Ode and a minute’s silence, followed by In Flanders Field, with wellbalanced harmony. Victor Galway’s Let Us Now Praise Famous Men was sung after a tribute to recently deceased Michael McConnell, who conducted the RSA Choir for 20 years.
The final item, Penny Christmas Card, was a reminder that Christmas is just around the corner. Alasdair Morrison compered and several items were enhanced by Robert Craigie (percussion) and Rob Burns (bass guitar).