Auckland Welsh Choir

a kiwi choir with a celtic connectionAucklandWelshChoira kiwi choir with a celtic connection

HOME

ABOUT US

HISTORY

Page 7

EVENTS

GALLERY

CONTACT US

HOME

dsc01689
d1000057
choir_7
choir-tauranga
choir07
dsc_0147
dsc_0145
3787525 Steven Rapana.jpg

ST DAVIDS DAY CONCERT

celtic colours around the world

3pm Sunday 4 March 2012

TAKAPUNA

St Davids 2012 Version 2.pdf

Link to Calon Lan recorded for Maori TV, New Zealand ABOUT US

About Us

The Pohutukawa is New Zealand's beautiful and iconic Christmas tree. Its vibrant red and green colours provide a link with the flag of Wales, home of famous choirs, known worldwide for their robust and beautiful sound.Côr Cymreig Auckland, our own Welsh Choir, is proud to be associated with the Welsh musical tradition and to maintain a generous slice of Welsh music and language as a cornerstone of the choir's existence in New Zealand. Repertoire is a broad portfolio spanning a readily approachable range of enjoyable music for mixed choir. As well as our Welsh and Celtic repertoire, we have premiered original New Zealand compositions and sung opera choruses, and we enjoy the choral music of many cultures. Concerts are community fundraising based, providing a platform for established musicians as well as up and coming young performers, soloists and choristers. We aim for concerts of variety and style, up to six in any one year, and these take place throughout the country.Solo opportunities exist within the choir for regular members and those who like an extra challenge can perform with Telynogion, our chamber choir.Auditions are not rigorous - there is room for keen folk who can sing in tune and hold a part, irrespective of music reading skill - Welsh heritage is not obligatory. Training and experience opportunities exist for would-be conductors and accompanists. There is ongoing training in vocal technique for all choristers and we coach foreign pronunciation regularly.Membership Fees are reasonable and payable annually or six monthly.Student scholarships for young choristers or accompanists who wish to improve their skills can be made available by arrangement. Welsh people on overseas experience, or gap years, will also find a place in our ranks for the duration of their visit.Weekly Thursday rehearsals take place at St Barnabas Church, corner of Bellevue and Mt Eden Road, 7.30pm until 10pm.DR
No Frame

HISTORY

Telynogion on Auckland Waterfront.JPGSAMALL.jpg

History

A Brief History of the Auckland Welsh ChoirThe first Auckland Welsh Choir was formed in 1988 to boost the morale of the Welsh Rugby team in its game against New Zealand at Eden Park. Despite an inspirational effort, Wales lost to the All Blacks. In 1989, the choir, as part of the Auckland Welsh Club, played a major part in the The Wings from Wales campaign that sponsored a Welsh youngster suffering from leukemia to New Zealand for the Commonwealth Games. In 2000 the choir was re-established as the Auckland Welsh Choir, now separate from the Auckland Welsh Club. Continuing with its mission to keep traditional Welsh music alive in New Zealand, Diana Williams Rhodes was invited to become Musical Director. Under her inspiring leadership, and with the subsequent appointment of Associate Director Steven Rapana, the performance repertoire broadened and vocal talent was strengthened as choir membership grew.In 2001 Michael Dow became Chairman with a vision for improved administration and extensive travel. The choirs first major trip was to Timaru in 2003 where they sang in the refurbished Theatre Royal to assist the launch of a book published by Diana Rhodes. The choir has since performed in Christchurch, Kapiti, Levin, Morrinsville, Orewa, Paraparaumu, Paeroa, Rotorua, Tauranga, Tauramanui, Thames, Wellington and Whangarei. Auckland venues include St Barnabas (Mt Eden), All Saints (Howick), Holy Trinity (Devonport), St Josephs (Takapuna), St Marys (Parnell), St Michaels (Remuera) and The Pump House (Takapuna) and Eden Park again in 2010 for the opening of the upgraded stadium.Diana Williams Rhodes has continued as Musical Director, building the choirs repertoire more deeply into the Welsh lyrical tradition and incorporating powerful hymns from the Eisteddfod movement. At the same time, the choir has included a broader repertoire of celtic and religious music taking the opportunity also of supporting the music of New Zealand composers.Michael Dow's tenure finished in 2006 when Jack Grant-Mackie took over as Chairman. Jack continued the commitment to travel and steered the choir through registration as a charitable organization cementing its commitment to supporting good causes alongside its commitment to continue the tradition of Welsh choral music in New Zealand.Maryclare Collie took on the Chairmanship in 2007 overseeing a period of ambitious travel and charitable support including a tour of Wellington, performing at the renowned St Andrews on The Terrace, and travelling up the Kapiti coast to support Save the Children Ann McGregor presided as Chairman from 2008 2010, building the strength of the choir, and leaving the choir in strong musical, administrative and financial health. In 2010 the chairmanship passed to Philip Morgan Rees, a native of South Wales, who is passionate about maintaining the inheritance of Welsh choral music. Reflecting the words of John Saunders Lewis Gwinllan a roddwyd im gofal yw Cymru fy ngwlad, iw thraddodi im plant ac i blant fy mhlant yn dreftadaeth dragwyddol in the case of the Auckland Welsh Choir the inheritance is the Welsh musical tradition begun in Auckland in 1988.
Page 7 Music Sheets

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

Page 1

Director of Music

Diana Rhodes

FTCL, LRSM, AmusA, AIRMT

Diana is a member of the N.Z. Association of Teachers of Singing, is an itinerant music specialist in Auckland and, amongst her other interests, is Musical Director of the Auckland Welsh Choir, Côr Cymreig Auckland.

In her other life, Diana is responsible for human resources and business admin in the family firm.

As a New Zealander of Welsh heritage, Diana has been delighted to be introduced by the choir to the Welsh Language through performance of traditional Welsh songs. She has always felt a special affinity for Celtic music, and in addition, has continued to broaden the scope of repertoire. The result is a choir that is comfortable in a wide variety of genres.

Diana is proud that the choir has earned a place in New Zealand as a proponent of the fine choral tradition that exists in Wales.

Page 2

Associate Directors

Steven Rapana -

After seven years with us as chorister, deputy director, tenor soloist and composer, we are fortunate that Steven has agreed to remain as an associate of the team whilst in New Zealand.

Nowadays we have to join a long queue wishing to benefit from his many skills and talents.

Sheridan Williams -

A regular chorister and guest soloist, Sheridan is now adding the role of trainee conductor and assistant coach

Page 3

Page 1

Coaches & Accompanists

William Perry -

A Welshman who has lived for several years in NZ, William Perry can be found most weekends watching birds. (That's at Miranda, and its called ornithology.) In AWC, he plays an invaluable role as one of our language coaches, not to mention singing tenor with his fine section.

Derek Williams -

An unofficial ambassador for Cymru, and that's Wales, Derek has been a chorister and is now a firm supporter of our choir. He keeps great channels of communication open. He also keeps his ears open for any intrusive kiwi or other international vowels in our pronunciation.

more >>

Page 2

Philip Morgan Rees

A fluent Welsh speaker, Phil is often called upon to tidy up our kiwi-isms and to make better translations for the library. As a Welsh baritone, singing French in a Kiwi choir, he is unsurpassed. His command of English is good too!

Harry Peirse

Yes, Harry did grow up to be a fine pianist and now he is set on becoming a world famous conductor. We enjoy having him work with us in either role and what's more he can sing as well.

<< Back

EVENTS

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

Page 1 Upcoming EventsST DAVIDS DAY CONCERTceltic colours around the worldAuckland Welsh Choir,Telynegu Brass and SoloistsCeltic Ensemble3pm Sunday 4 March 2012St Josephs Catholic Church, cnr Taharoto & Dominion Sts, TakapunaDoor Sales $25 & bookings at iTICKET, with service feeConcert supporting Hospice North Shore(See homepage for links to our flyer and booking agent.)• March 2012 South Island Tour

Page 2 Past EventsNovember We invite you to join us for either of two concerts, in a weekend of beautiful music making. Our annual fixtures with the Devonport Chamber Orchestra will take place first in Howick, which will be a full programme with interval, then in Devonport by the sea the following day, which fits into the DCO calendar of events. The Howick concert will support Seasons Grief & Loss Programme for Young People.This year we will have a focus on Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdys music, including the beautiful and well-known Hear My Prayer, a cantata for soloists, choir and orchestra. The Devonport Chamber Orchestra will also be performing the Hebrides Overture, with conductor Steven Rapana, who will sing as tenor soloist with the choir in other pieces. Soprano soloists include Sheridan Williams, Diana Williams Rhodes, and young newcomer, Brooke van Velden.Together with Devonport Chamber Orchestra, (http://dco.net.nz/) Auckland Welsh Choir has proved itself adept at stylish, varied and interesting programmes. By popular request, we will once again include in the full-length Howick concert other choral & Christmas titles along with Mendelssohn motets. See homepage for more details and bookings and the link to our flyer and booking agent.• December 2011 Our annual free Christmas Concert for members and friendsOctober 2011 RWC time - College Rifles for an after match entertainment programmeRugby World Cup Events apart from our fine national choirs, especially formed for the game openings, Auckland Welsh Choir may have been the busiest choir in New Zealand during the month of October 2011, with eight separate gigs at last count; see reviews pageHeavenly Harps & VoicesSt Barnabas Church, Mt Eden Road3pm, Saturday 9 July 2011This was indeed the superb concert we had predicted, with variety, quality, a warm church and a warmly appreciative audience in this treasured venue. We welcomed Anna Dunwoodie and her harpists, and were delighted with Christopher Marshalls vibrant and haunting piece, Cançó del Mar, with the band and singers ably duo-conducted for the second ever performance by Diana Williams Rhodes and Steven Rapana.ST DAVIDS DAY VARIETY CONCERT - 3pm Sunday 6 March 2011 celtic colours around the worldFeatured Telynegu Strings and soloists with ELI MORRISSt Josephs Catholic Church, cnr Taharoto & Dominion Sts, Takapuna27 & 28 November 2010Seaside Concerts with Devonport Chamber Orchestra at Howick & Devonport.Included world premiere of New Zealander Christopher Marshalls Catalan piece for double choir and orchestra, Cançó del Mar. Saturday 12th June, 2010 - 2:30 pmSt Barnabas Church, Mount EdenA Benefit Concert for Steven Rapana, as he undertakes his international tour with the New Zealand National Youth Choir.Saturday 10th April, 2010 Wales-on-Rails to the King CountrySt Paul's Co-operative Church , Marae Street, Taumarunui Conductor: Diana Williams RhodesSupporting: Rotary Club, Taumarunui, and Performing Arts Taumarunui Inc.Saturday 27th February, 2010St David's Day - Celebration Concert St John's Church , Centreway Rd, Orewa Conductor: Diana Williams RhodesThe Choir has delighted audiences with St Davids Day concerts in Orewa for the past three years. This year, Auckland Welsh Choir celebrated ten years of choral music, performing nationwide from Timaru to Whangarei, to raise funds for local charities.The Celebration Concert brought another entertaining and varied programme, including Welsh Songs and favourite choral pieces, brass instruments, soloists, strings, and woodwind. A highlight this year was the performance of a series of Welsh Songs set for chamber group by Ludwig van Beethoven. Directors Diana Rhodes and Steven Rapana selected them from amongst more than 150 songs Beethoven set for the English editor, George Thompson, beginning in 1809. They included various solo and ensemble voices with violin, cello and piano.Another performance that provided a memorable interlude was Ashokan Farewell, a reading and melody in Celtic style. This haunting fiddle tune became famous in Burns' mini series documentary film "The Civil War" released in 1990 on PBS.Sunday, 27th November 2009Devonport Orchestra with Auckland Welsh Choir, Holy Trinity Church Concert Holy Trinity Church, 20 Church St, Devonport, Auckland Conductors - Diana Williams Rhodes and Steven Rapana Supporting - St Barnabas Church Devonport Orchestra with Auckland Welsh Choir, Holy Trinity Church Concert Sunday, 31st October, 2009Celtic Colours - Auckland Welsh Choir In ConcertSt Barnabas Church, 283 Mt Eden Rd, Auckland Conductor - Diana Williams RhodesSupporting - St Barnabas Church 6th June, 2009St Peter's Anglican church, cnr Church St and the Mall, OnehungaConductor: Steven Rapana Supporting: Seasons Onehunga, Charity for childrenMarch 27th-28th, 2009 - Wellington TourCeltic Colours The Auckland Welsh Choir toured with a lineup of top talent to Wellington, Paraparaumu and Levin ... Conductor - Diana Williams RhodesHarp Brynmor WilliamsFlutes Barry Hall & Vicky Williams Piano Robert Wiremu Violin Paul RhodesSoloists Sheridan Williams, Steven Rapana, Jeffrey Chang, Bernice AustinFor this tour, Auckland Welsh Choir worked with Save the Children in each of its three performance venues. Proceeds from the concerts were donated to Save the Children Fund.March 1st, 2009 - St Davids Day concertFebruary 21st, 2009 - Saga Rose cruiseship, choir as guest performersSaturday 11th October 2008, 7pmEpsom Community ChurchThe Auckland Welsh choir sang with the Australian Male Voice Choir in this concert Saturday 6th September 2008, 3pmSt Barnabas concert - featuring professional Welsh Harpist, Brynmor WilliamsWelsh Harpist, Brynmor Williams performed with Auckland Welsh Choir in the beautiful setting of St Barnabus Church, Mt Eden. We look forward to further performances from this talented musician at concerts early next year.This was a charity concert for the St Barnabas Organ Fund. Saturday 12th April 2008Whangarei ConcertThe Auckland Welsh Choir performed in Whangerei for the first time. The event was held in the lavish Capitaine Bouganville Theatre, Forum North, Rust Avenue. Sunday, 2 March 2008St.David's Day ConcertThis year the concert was held at St Johns Catholic Church, 180 Centreway Road, OrewaThis concert featured special guest artist Anthony Stuart Lloyd, who is described in The Daily Telegraph as having "a voice of Rolls-Royce sumptuousness". Saturday 16 June, 2007Benefit ConcertThe choir performed at St. Barnabas church in Mount Eden Road to help raise funds for our Associate Conductor Steven Rapana to travel overseas with the New Zealand Youth Choir. Saturday 5 May, 2007TaurangaThe choir travelled by coach to sing at Tauranga Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga, with talented Tauranga violinists from the Suzuki Studio of Valerie Thorburn, in aid of Waipuna Hospice. See photo in Gallery. On Sunday 6 May the choir sang to a sold-out house in Morrinsville Presbyterian Church, in aid of St. John Ambulance. Sunday 4th March, 2007St. Davids DayAuckand Welsh Choir celebrated St Davids Day singing Welsh and traditional favourites. See photos in Gallery.

Page 3 Review of concert on 27th November 2011(The Devonport Flagstaff, 9th December, 2011)Orchestra and Choir team up again for Christmas ExtravaganzaDevonport Chamber Orchestra and the Auckland Welsh Choir performed a medley of Mendelssohn classics, along with some well-known Christmas and Welsh songs for their final concert of 2011.After a brief but warm welcome from Holy Trinity's Reverend Braatvedt, the concert commenced with a voice-only piece; Gustav Holst's Lullay my liking. The talented choir of over 40 singers made an excellent job of this beautiful song.The choir then changed formation for their first main performance, Verleih uns Frieden by Felix Mendelssohn. The deep tones of the larger strings and mens' voices created a solemn but peaceful feeling at the commencement of this work. When violins, female voices and winds were included later, a wonderful new dimension was imparted, with the effect of the full choir adding a touch of grandeur. Mendelssohn wrote the Hebrides Overture after making an unforgettable visit to Fingal's Cave on the island of Staffa. The majestic opening, involving the full orchestra, would be familiar to many. There is great texture in this piece, which allowed DCO to demonstrate their many talents and there was a particularly lovely solo from the clarinettists. Steven Rapana's conducting style added suitable flair and passion to this dramatic work.The third Mendelssohn item, Hear My Prayer, saw the return of choir and orchestra performing together. This time we were treated to solo performances from singers Diana Rhodes, Sheridan Williams, Steven Rapana and Brooke van Velden. Each singer brought a different quality to the piece, the pitch of their voices well-matched to the accompaniment of the orchestra. I thought Williams gave an especially strong performance. Throughout there was an overall sense of Christmas spirit and harmony, skilfully brought together by Rhodes's capable conducting abilities.Next were two relatively brief pieces; Ave Maria and Silent Night. Both were given special treatment by musicians and singers, with Pene Brawn-Douglas playing solo flute and Lynette Reid piano for Ave Maria and Philip Morgan Rees singing solo in Welsh for Silent Night. The choir provided accompaniment for both pieces with very pleasing results all round.For Michael Praetorius's Sing dem Herrn, a select number of choir members formed into a chamber choir. The combination of their singing was superb and reminded me of bells chiming in one of Europe's great cathedrals. Later in the piece, more singers joined the group and the additional accompaniment of wind instruments made for an emotive performance.Christus, the fourth Mendelssohn work performed by orchestra and choir, signalled a change of pace with the double bass initially giving a very Germanic flavour. Singers Sheridan Williams, Steven Rapana, Desmond Tonkin, Philip Morgan Rees and Philip Austin gave impressive performances against this backdrop, with a dramatic conclusion that involved the participation of the full orchestra and choir.This should have been the final piece of the concert but the performers agreed to a second performance of Hebrides Overture, following a request from audience members who had arrived late, mistaking the concert start time. I found the second performance to be every bit as good as the first. Then, as an extra special treat for the late comers, one final performance was staged, the Welsh National Anthem. Despite my lack of Welsh blood, I couldn't help getting a tear in my eye on hearing the Auckland Welsh Choir and DCO's fine playing in Steven Rapana's arrangement of this traditional anthem.For a schedule of 2012 DCO concerts, visit DCO's website at http://dco.net.nz/ or watch out for the DCO bookmarks in Paradox Books and The Depot Artspace.By Maria TeapeAUCKLAND WELSH CHOIR SUPPORTS 'THE WELSH RUGBY TEAM When the Auckland Welsh Choir was invited to sing at Southmall in Manurewa, which was hosting the Welsh during the first weekend of Rugby World Cup, they little knew it was going to be the first of many gigs for the cup. In addition to their regular formal concerts, the choir has now sung on the huge stage next to The Cloud at Party Central on a chilly, wet and squally day; at a rugby club full of exuberant rugby supporters in Remuera; on Maori TV, BBC and CNN, French and Sky Sport TV. They have sung in wind and rain, in cold and in sunshine. Wearing extra red clothing adorned with Welsh flags and scarves, they sang for Sky TV outside the Viaduct Events Centre, against a backdrop of sleek boats, city skyline and the Sky Tower, while a Welsh/Auckland-type rain gently fell. Only when watching the gig on TV later did members spot a tiny elderly woman with a yellow umbrella, standing on tip-toe behind one of the tallest men in the back row and holding her umbrella over his head! Auckland Welsh Choir has had fun being part of the Rugby World Cup and their only regret is that all the enthusiastic singing did not ensure that Wales came through the semi-finals. But Welsh rugby fans worldwide would have been reassured that the Kiwi Welsh and Auckland Welsh Choir were behind their team. MVH Review of concert on 28th November 2010(The Devonport Flagstaff, 17th December 2010)Orchestra and Choir Combine to Grand EffectWhile their compatriots were suffering arctic climes in the homelands, the Auckland Welsh Choir performed in starkly contrasting temperatures with Devonport Chamber Orchestra (DCO) on Sunday 28th November.Held in Devonport's Holy Trinity Church, this performance was DCO's grand finale for the year and very grand it was. We were treated to an extensive and varied concert featuring traditional Welsh songs, favourite baroque pieces and the hauntingly beautiful world premiere of Christopher Marshall's Cançó del Mar (Song of the Sea).The first piece of the day was Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. According to the programme notes, it is traditionally the national anthem of Wales. This version was a collaboration of the strings, winds and full choir, with a solo performance from tenor Steven Rapana. It began softly, first with just the choir, followed by the strings, then winds. Rapana's big voice was well suited to this very patriotic song, which swelled in volume to a triumphant ending.Rapana changed to a conducting role for the second piece: Verdi's Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (Coro di Schiavi Ebrei). This well known song from the opera Nabucco, tells the story of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, after the loss of the First Temple in Jerusalem. There was great synergy between the orchestra and choir in this piece both producing powerful tones, but neither over powering the other. Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus was very relaxing to listen to. This is only a short score, composed for choir, strings and organ. It was the perfect piece to show-case the choir who put on a stellar performance, while the orchestra took on a more understated role. The audience were suitably impressed.Before the fourth item commenced, the choir took their leave as Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante is only for Winds and Orchestra. In addition to the main orchestra, a quartet was seated out in front with Eugenie Middleton playing the oboe, Michael Miller - clarinet, Craig Bradfield - bassoon and John Ure French horn. They were consummate musicians, putting on a very polished performance with great expression, while the wind instrumentalists in the main orchestra provided excellent support. Two of the quartet members were guests from the Navy band (Miller and Bradfield), along with conductor Colin Clark.Next was the much anticipated premiere of Cançó del Mar. We thought both the choir and musicians (just six musicians for this piece) did a superb rendition of this eclectic piece. There were beautiful tones from the winds, particularly the bass clarinet, played by Andrew Uren, and enchanting nautical tones from Harry Peirse's keyboard. It was very evocative of being at sea with all its different moods. The piece concluded with haunting tones from Rosana Fea's violin and a collective sigh from the choir.The sixth piece saw the return of the full orchestra again. The choir left the stage, with the exception of soprano soloist, Diana Rhodes. Together, DCO and Rhodes performed the Ave Maria Intermezzo from Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana one of the greatest sensations in opera history. From its subtle beginning to its stirring finish, Rhodes entranced us with a very strong performance.Y Deryn Pur is another traditional Welsh song which translates to 'O Gentle Dove'. We thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful Celtic tones the choir, guitar, piccolo and violin produced. Rhodes, who conducted this piece, explained to the audience afterwards that the piccolo is representative of the dove in what is essentially a love story.The final item of the concert was a combination of John Rutter's Angel's Carol, a beautiful and moving Christmas song, followed by a Welsh-inspired piece jointly produced by Rhodes and Rapana. Once again the choir put on an outstanding performance, delightfully accompanied by DCO. This has been another wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with top-rate performers. It is a privilege made possible by the community spiritedness of DCO and their associates.Devonport Chamber Orchestra's programme for 2011 is now available. The first concert of the year is being held on 13th March at the Depot Artspace with solo violinist David Choi. For more details, visit DCO's website: www.dco.net.nzReview by Maria Teape

GALLERY

Gallery

choir-tauranga
choiratpumphouse
choir07
chamber-choir-tauranga
brynmor-williams-welsh-choir-sept08
pa100239
timaru
p3010292
dsc_0161
img_6272
p3010284
dsc_0085
choir2
dsc_0074
st michaels print version 2
diana
DSC_0986.JPG
DSC_0991.JPG

Click image to enlarge

If you are interested in joining our choir or becoming a friend of the choir, please tell us in an email (secawc_gmail.com) or phone the Secretary, (09)410 5339

Contact Us

Phil Morgan-Rees - ChairmanAnn McGregor - Vice- ChairmanKaren Brook - Secretary email: secawc_gmail.com David Williams - Treasurer
Concert Flyers.pdf

ar lan y mor track 1

01 track 02