On Saturday afternoon I attended a concert in St Patrick’s Basilica, in South Dunedin, presented by the Dunedin Children’s Choir, conducted by their founder Natasha Manowitz. It was such a joyful occasion to see and hear this disciplined group of 40 children aged 7-14 present items for the large audience of supporters, who spontaneously rose to their feet at the end, rewarding the choir with prolonged applause.
Pure tone, excellent intonation and accurate harmony featured for the variety of repertoire, encouraged by their conductor to fully engage in the joy of singing and interpreting texts.
They began with Dona Nobis Pacem, followed by a Congolese folk song Banaha and a fun number with actions — Scoo Be Doo.
Carol of the Bells, a duet from Bella Yeoman and Horiana Sirguey, was a highlight, as was a nicely syncopated arrangement of Route 66. Items from the 16 members who travelled to the 2023 World Choir Games in Auckland and won a silver award included David Hamilton’s arrangement of Hine e Hine and Tihore Mai.
Supporting guest artists were Erin Connelly-Whyte and Claire Barton, who sang with Manowitz in Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town and the popular O Holy Night. Pianist Ozan Biner-McGrath, 15, absolutely enthralled with a brilliant performance of Brahms’ Scherzo Op 4 — a perfect choice of repertoire and no doubt inspiring young pianists to go home and practise.
Cameron Monteath accompanied (the choir’s regular pianist Susan Frame has an arm injury), and Andrew Harray added percussion to some items. The MC was a very competent and vivacious Melanie Ker, and during the event which was planned as a Christmas fundraiser, representatives of St Vincent de Paul and Presbyterian Support Otago spoke.
Audience participation in Rock, Paper, Scissors and Jingle Bell Rock added to the enjoyment of an afternoon of music-making.
