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
Nigel grew up choral singing with the choirs of Kings School and Kings College in Auckland, but then took a break for the next 30 years while focusing on his career as a Consulting Engineer in Ottawa Canada where he moved with his wife in 1981. Later he joined a choir in Ottawa as a way of relieving the stresses of the daily grind, and found that he really enjoyed the challenge, stimulation, and therapy that choral singing provides. He sang with Coro Vivo Ottawa and the Ottawa Festival Chorus for many years, and part time with Auckland Choral since 2006 on his many visits back to New Zealand, before moving back to Auckland with his wife Ming, last year. He sings as a Tenor 2.
Richard has been a singing member of Auckland Choral for over 14 years, as a member of the Bass section, and is currently Deputy Chairperson and a member of the Finance and Management Subcommittee. He strongly supports the vision of the current Music Director, to develop Auckland Choral as a major symphonic choir, working with international and local artists and professional orchestras. 
Hi, I’m Neil Hawkes - I have been singing for a while: Tewkesbury Abbey choir from the ages of 5 to 30yrs, then a variety of English choirs before coming to NZ. When I arrived in Auckland I sang with the Choral Society, then with the Anglican Cathedral Choir and the Graduate Choir, before being stopped by a heart condition (since fixed 100%).
