Sounds From Far and Near - a Linden Singers Concert

The title of this Linden Singers concert “Sounds from Far and Near,” introduces the theme of the programme, a marvellous mix of music by composers from our own country – indeed, some from our own region – and from countries far away across the oceans.
Songs by New Zealand composers include one written by Aaron Huata when he was a Year 12 student at Havelock North High School. His lovely setting of “Mirabile Mysterium” (How wondrous is the mystery…) displays remarkable musical maturity in one so young.
Jane Pierard, the Musical Director of our choir, not only rehearses and conducts the choir but also composes music. The choir feels privileged to perform two beautiful songs written by Jane at this concert. The first is a setting of the poem “Daybreak” by the 15th Century English poet, John Donne. The score for this text includes the evocative sounds of birdsong in the early morning in the New Zealand bush. And the second, “I will never be Lost”, combines texts from traditional Maori proverbs and fragments from a work by NZ poet Marty Smith, to express the idea of life going on, generation after generation. These will be the premier performances of Jane’s new compositions. Music by other kiwi composers includes work by David Hamilton and Richard Madden, and from further afield we offer two beautiful songs by Australian composer David Basden, both sung in Latin and based on the text of familiar prayers.
It wouldn’t be a Linden Singers concert without some toe-tapping Jazz numbers, so from the Americas we will present songs by well-known writers like George and Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern and the Brazilian “father of the bossa nova, “ Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Then, from far across the world we have an ethereal work by Icelandic composer Porkell Sigurbjornsson, “ Heyr, Himna Smidur” which is based on the oldest Scandinavian poem in existence. Our world tour in song is completed with a hymn to the Virgin Mary in the Russian Orthodox tradition. “Bogoróditse Djévo”, is based on a Slavonic text from the Orthodox Book of Prayers. However, this arrangement by Estonian composer Arvo Part is dominated by vibrant energy rather than the usual lyrical mood; it has been described as “a shout of joy” and that is what we hope this concert will be, for everyone present! All are welcome. Entry price is $25 for adults, concession $20, pay using cash only at the door.

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