Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor | Bruckner Motets: Ave Maria, Os Justi Meditabitur, | Bach Chorale: Jesus bleibet meine Freude | Bach Concerto for Violin in A minor | Bruckner Mass in D minor
This concert will deliver a powerful punch! A mighty combo of Bach + Bruckner + Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra + Auckland Choral promises to deliver a glorious and stirring concert.
The masterful works penned by musical titans J.S Bach and Bruckner can often only be described in the grandest of superlatives. Indeed, both highly devout composers had a clear intention to deliver their craft to the highest level: Soli Deo Gloria - Only for the Glory of God.
Bruckner's Mass in D Minor is an uplifting offering on a grand scale, taking the listener on a spiritual journey. His Motets blend expansive Renaissance polyphony with his unique approach to harmony and counterpoint.
Three works by J.S Bach complement those of Bruckner. The choir will perform the ever-popular Chorale: Jesus bleibet meine Freude (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring) and Dr Philip Smith will unleash the iconic Toccata and Fugue in D minor on the Town Hall’s mighty organ. As an intimate contrast, Andrew Beer, Concertmaster of the APO will feature in the lyrical and melancholic Concerto for Violin in A minor.
Uwe Grodd conductor
Isabella Moore soprano
Sally-Anne Russell mezzo-soprano
Robert Macfarlane tenor
Joel Amosa bass
Andrew Beer violin
Dr Philip Smith organ
Auckland Choral
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Sunday 15 September, 5.00pm
Auckland Town Hall
ticketmaster.co.nz
09 970 9700
I learnt to sing on my mother's knee and have been singing ever since! In school in Wales I sang in small and large choirs in the eisteddfod. As soon as I left school I joined a choral society and have always been a member of one choir or another. I joined Auckland Choral in 2006 and have been on the management committee for the last 2 years. Choral singing has given me opportunities to make and keep wonderful friends, to travel, to see magnificent buildings, to hear all the major works and many new compositions, and to be part of a fabulous music making machine, always striving to improve. I have sung Handel's Messiah in 4 continents, in 2016 clocked up my 70th Messiah, and I still love it. I am also a semi retired speech language therapist and enjoy spending time with my 5 grandchildren.
With a long history in music and performance, Shakira Quinn was singing in choirs from the age of 5. She has had the privilege of singing under Dr Raymond White, Sir David Willcocks (Kings College, Cambridge) and was a member of the New Zealand National Youth Choir with Professor Peter Godfrey from 1985 – 1988.
Keith spent most of his life as a self-employed freelance graphic designer after graduating with a degree in fine arts. Over several further years of study he obtained professional qualifications in advertising, marketing and tertiary teaching, enjoying being a tutor for fifteen years introducing graphic design to young students, then seven years as a part-time senior lecturer in graphic design at AUT University. He has been a self-taught church organist from the age of thirteen, and since 2002 he has been the Parish Elder, Administrator and Organist in the large multicultural Onehunga Co-operating Parish. His love of singing, church and organ music was nurtured from an early age in a musical family. Since 1980 he has sung Bass in Auckland Choral, conducted by Ray Wilson, Peter Watts, Professor Uwe Grodd and many other inspiring and talented musicians. To quote from Hallelujahs & History “...for bass Keith Guyan, Auckland Choral has everything: thrilling repertoire, inspiring conductor, friendly and caring singers, satisfying discipline, high musical standards and the privilege of performing some of the masterpieces of choral writing”.
