Composer David Hamilton is heading back to Taupō for Taupō Choral’s 50th Jubliee concert. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
New Zealand composer and conductor David Hamilton is heading back to his hometown of Taupō to lead the Taupō Choral Solid Gold 50th anniversary concert.
By Dan Hutchinson
The concert is on November 15 at the Anglican Church and will feature selections from Handel's Messiah, a retrospective mix of choral favourites spanning five decades, and the world premiere of a new piece Hamilton has composed specifically for the occasion.
"It'll get a world premiere as well in the concert," Hamilton says of the newly commissioned work, written for soprano, choir, and piano.
The first half of the programme centres on highlights from Handel's Messiah, with Auckland soprano Morag Atchison performing the solos.
Hamilton has known Atchison for nearly 40 years, having taught her at Epsom Girls' Grammar School in Auckland.
The second half features one piece from each decade of the choir's existence, including a work Hamilton wrote for the choir 12 years ago, alongside ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ from Rodgers and Hammerstein and ‘Anthem’ from the musical Chess.
"My mother was a foundation member of the choir here," Hamilton says.
"She sang with the choir for about four years before Mum and Dad moved to Tauranga. So she was here right at the beginning, and then 50 years later I'm coming back to conduct their 50th anniversary."
It's a milestone Hamilton doesn't take lightly.
"Choirs only reach 50 years old once.”
Between 40 and 45 singers are expected to perform on the night.
Hamilton conducted a full weekend workshop with the group in September before handing day-to-day rehearsal duties over to local conductors Jenny MacDonald and Philippa, who will carry the work forward until the final rehearsal and concert.
Hamilton is a foundation member of the New Zealand Youth Choir, which he joined in 1979, and remains active as a singer with Auckland Choral and as conductor of Pakuranga Choral.
He says the Taupō Choral singers are all involved because they enjoy what they're doing.
“They come along to sing, and hopefully we can produce something that's worthwhile for people to come in and hear."
Taupō Choral are singing excerpts from Handel’s Messiah in the special 50th Jubilee concert, Taupō Choral Solid Gold, to be held on November 15.
The second half of the concert will feature selections from the many concerts of past years.
The concert is on Sunday, November 15 from 3pm at St Andrew's Anglican Church, 91 Titiraupenga Street, Taupō.
Tickets are $25 and available at eventfinda.co.nz