New Zealand Youth Choir, St Paul’s Cathedral, Sunday, April 28.
A standing ovation from a packed St Paul’s Cathedral yesterday afternoon was a fitting end to a magnificent concert by the New Zealand Youth Choir, expertly conducted by David Squire.
The choir comprises 50 of the finest young singers from all over the country, including six from Dunedin. Inclusivity is a hallmark of this choir’s programming which features contrasting genres, languages, styles and both European and New Zealand music.
The resonant acoustics of the cathedral are hard to manage vocally, diction being the greatest victim, especially in forte sections.
However, in subtle piano singing, diction was clear, as it was in the different choral formations employed later.
The opening piece Gaudeamus omnes by Polish composer Marek Raczynski for double chorus revealed all that this choir does so well — beautifully arched phrases, tapered diminuendi, huge dynamic contrasts and well-balanced voice parts.
Deputy music director Michael Stewart conducted Howells’ In Youth Is Pleasure admirably, capturing the youthful vitality of the piece.
The first half of the concert concluded with five movements from Jonathan Dove’s The Passing of the Year.
Here the double chorus revelled in the wide-ranging dynamics and moods.
Stewart accompanied on piano which at times was exceptionally virtuosic.
The second half began with chorister Takerei Komene’s composition He Tamaiti ō te Ao Tukupū.
Conducted by the composer and accompanied by Stewart on the organ this full-bodied evocation was very warmly received.
With some singers moving to sing from the side aisles, and Squire mid-aisle, several pieces in lighter vein showcased the adaptability of both choir and conductor.
The concert ended with Ua Fetausunu’i Ao by Igelese Ete featuring Samoan choreography and accompanied by Samoan drums.
Kua rongo gifted to the choir by Te Whānau Wehi was beautifully choreographed, and the use of movement allowed the voices to soar even more effortlessly into the cathedral.
