Rehearsals have begun for the choir’s next concert.
The Edgecumbe Choir is combining with the Gisborne Choir to perform Handel’s oratorio “Solomon” in September. “Solomon” is one of his better known choral works with several popular choruses and, of course, the orchestral entry of the Queen of Sheba. Much of the oratorio deals with the wisdom of Solomon illustrated by his decision in dealing with the two women over who was the real mother, and the visit by the Queen of Sheba.
A feature of the work are the number of double choir choruses which give a full rich depth in harmony and an almost operatic tone to the whole work.
Accompaniment is by a combined orchestra of instrumentalists mainly from Gisborne and Whakatane.
Soloists are contralto Patricia Wackrow, as Solomon, sopranos Catherine MacDonald and Elizabeth Pilaar, tenor Charles Sorenssen as Zadok and bass Gavin Mclean.
The work is being performed in Gisborne and Whakatane and is to be conducted by
Performance dates are Sunday afternoon 7 September in Gisborne at St Lukes Church and Saturday evening 20 September in Whakatane at the Liberty Centre.
It is not too late to join the choir for this concert. Contact details are on the home page of the choir website.