Cantando Choir presents Anzac Reflections

For the first offering of its 34th year, Cantando Choir has returned to a favourite genre: the “Anzac Reflections” concert.

One of Cantando’s former musical directors, the late Max Stewart, was particularly passionate about the choir contributing to the community in this way.

“It is very fitting, therefore,” says Cantando’s current MD Kolitha Jayatunge, “that we feature one of Max’s own compositions — a beautiful setting of Hine e Hine — in our first concert for 2022.”

The programme also includes items by New Zealand composers David Hamilton and Shirley Erena Murray and Part 3 of An Anzac Offering, a work commissioned by Cantando in 2011 from local musician (now based in France) Katie Johnson.

Joining the choir for this concert is Cantando’s new accompanist Jonathan Dunlop.

Jonathan is a keyboard specialist, cellist and baritone, and is undertaking doctoral studies at Waikato University’s School of Music. Cantando is delighted to have secured his services as accompanist at weekly rehearsals and extends a warm welcome to him for his first concert with the choir.

In keeping with the popular tradition of Cantando Anzac concerts, the programme will conclude with a singalong of favourite wartime songs such as Lilli Marlene, We’ll Meet Again and Keep the Home Fires Burning. Audience is encouraged!

Saturday, April 30, 2.30pm, St Paul’s Collegiate School Chapel, Hamilton. General admission $20 (children under 10 free), tickets from choir members or info@cantando.org.nz