1853

1853

This musical soirée was KS‘s contribution to the 170th anniversary of Warkworth’s inception as a town in 1853. The programme featured music, poetry, and song from the late 1800’s. The Horizon School choir was recently formed and Kowhai Singers welcomed them as a part of the evening’s programme. Steve Maric was invited also to play his piano accordion with the sea shanties. Susan Elliot, choir member and music teacher, accompanied the choir on piano.

The concert opened with God save our Queenfollowed by Afton Water  (arr. Paul Ayres). Greensleeves was followed by the Horizon Choir conducted by Emma Aldridge performing enchanting renditions of All things bright and beautiful and The Grand old Duke of York.

Next were two beautiful madrigals by John Bennett and John Farmer, namely All creatures now and Fair Phylis I saw her sitting all alone. Danny Boy (arr. Joseph Flummerfelt) followed before two 19th century poems read by Sian Ellett. The rousing traditional NZ sea-shanties Come all ye Tonguers and The Wellerman concluded the first half.

After the Interval, the audience was invited to join the choir in the singing of 7 hymns of the period. It was a thoroughly enjoyable, well attended concert. The choir and some of the audience were dressed in Victorian garb.

Click here to view the full programme.