logo
Chorus fest returns, expanded

Chorus fest returns, expanded

Opera Otago will host another of its popular ChorusFest events this month, offering local singers the chance to come together and learn some fun choruses.
The sessions, led by conductor Brent Stewart, will be held July 12 and 13, from 1.30pm-5.30pm, at Hanover Hall.
Building on what was achieved last year and the feedback received, Opera Otago has extended the ChorusFest to two afternoons.
It is not necessary to attend both sessions, although that is preferred.
A movement will be added to one of the choruses, with Emma Donaldson set to lead.
The singers will be accompanied by pianists Tom McGrath and Ozan Biner-McGrath.
Opera Otago always aims to support young Dunedin singers, and this year's ChorusFest will introduce Ripeka Potiki, who won the Opera Otago cup at last year's Junior Vocal Festival.
Other soloists will include sopranos Ameera Woods and Erin Connelly-White and baritone Kieran Kelly.
As with last year, there will be a short, informal concert from 7pm on Sunday, July 13.
Opera Otago will provide a light meal of soups and buns for participants before the concert. To enrol follow the link https://events.humanitix.com/opera-otago-s-chorusfest-2025
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Culture Feast in finals for national awards
Culture Feast in finals for national awards

Otago Daily Times

time6 days ago

  • Otago Daily Times

Culture Feast in finals for national awards

The Hokonui Culture Feast has been named a finalist in the 2025 New Zealand Event Association (NZEA) Awards. The Culture Feast is a finalist in the Food, Beverage or Lifestyle Event of the Year category. It was the only Southland event to make this year's honours roll, the Gore District Council said in a press release. The council's events co-ordinator Florine Potts said making the finals was recognition of the event's outstanding contribution to community celebration, cultural inclusivity and regional pride. Now in its 10th year, the Mataura Valley Milk Hokonui Culture Feast had grown from humble beginnings in 2015 into a cornerstone of the council's events calendar. It celebrated the district's cultural diversity through international cuisine, traditional performances and inclusive activities for all ages, she said. This year's event featured 30 food vendors representing 22 different cuisines, live music, dance and interactive children's activities such as origami and lolly-lei making — all delivered with a warm Southern welcome. Ms Potts acknowledged the community's passion and teamwork in making the Culture Feast such a celebrated success. "This event is a celebration of everything that makes Gore great — our diversity, our inclusiveness, and our small-town determination to put on an event that could rival any big city. "We're thrilled to see the Culture Feast recognised on the national stage." The 2024 event achieved several significant milestones. These included a record-breaking attendance of about 1800 people, a 50% increase from the previous year. Strong community partnerships had been critical in keeping the event free and accessible to all, Ms Potts said. Ms Potts said the council was proud to provide a free, family-friendly event to celebrate the 45 ethnicities that call the district home. "The culture feast showcases the cultures that make up our community in a way that's authentic and deeply inclusive. "It's a real credit to our community groups and sponsors who help bring it to life," she said. The NZEA Awards celebrate excellence across the events sector, recognising creativity, innovation, and positive impact. Winners will be announced at the NZEA Awards Gala evening on September 2 at the Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton. — APL

Rotorua war hero story told in new opera Mate Ururoa
Rotorua war hero story told in new opera Mate Ururoa

RNZ News

time08-07-2025

  • RNZ News

Rotorua war hero story told in new opera Mate Ururoa

The true story of Rotorua soldier Captain Roger Dansey is being brought to life in Wellington Opera's performance Mate Ururoa . Written by acclaimed New Zealand composer Dame Gillian Whitehead, it tells the true story of Roger Ingram Te Kepa Dansey, engineer and Māori All Black, who enlisted when Britain declared war on Germany in 1914 and was one of the five hundred strong "Native Contingent". His war story is first about the humiliation faced by Māori soldiers, his heroism at Gallipoli, but then being accused of desertion and sent home in disgrace. Whitehead wrote the libretto in te reo Māori and English for US-based Māori baritone David Tahere, who plays Roger Dansey. Directed by Sara Brodie, the opera was originally supposed to premiere in 2021 at New York's Carnegie Hall - but this was cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead, the world premiere will be in Wellington this weekend. Dame Gillian Whitehead, Sara Brodie and David Tahere are in the Wellington studio. Dame Gillian Whitehead. Photo: © 2019 National Library Imaging Services, Department of Internal Affairs

Chorus fest returns, expanded
Chorus fest returns, expanded

Otago Daily Times

time02-07-2025

  • Otago Daily Times

Chorus fest returns, expanded

Opera Otago will host another of its popular ChorusFest events this month, offering local singers the chance to come together and learn some fun choruses. The sessions, led by conductor Brent Stewart, will be held July 12 and 13, from 1.30pm-5.30pm, at Hanover Hall. Building on what was achieved last year and the feedback received, Opera Otago has extended the ChorusFest to two afternoons. It is not necessary to attend both sessions, although that is preferred. A movement will be added to one of the choruses, with Emma Donaldson set to lead. The singers will be accompanied by pianists Tom McGrath and Ozan Biner-McGrath. Opera Otago always aims to support young Dunedin singers, and this year's ChorusFest will introduce Ripeka Potiki, who won the Opera Otago cup at last year's Junior Vocal Festival. Other soloists will include sopranos Ameera Woods and Erin Connelly-White and baritone Kieran Kelly. As with last year, there will be a short, informal concert from 7pm on Sunday, July 13. Opera Otago will provide a light meal of soups and buns for participants before the concert. To enrol follow the link

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store