We’ll Meet Again – 80 Years On
A Tribute in Song: Central Otago Regional Choir’s WWII Anniversary Concert
Relive the spirit of unity and resilience as the Central Otago Regional Choir celebrates the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in its concert series, We’ll Meet Again: 80 Years On. Be transported back in time by the iconic songs that captured the hearts of nations during turbulent times.
Romantic, optimistic and patriotic sentiments are expressed in old classics A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, White Cliffs of Dover, We'll Meet Again, The Dam Busters, and Land of Hope and Glory. You’ll be treated to rich harmonies, creative arrangements, and stirring performances of songs by legends Ivor Novello, Irving Berlin and Edward Elgar. One of choir’s favourites is the beautiful but heart-rending For the Fallen by English composer Mark Blatchly, to the words of poet Laurence Binyon addressing the losses of war while celebrating the soldier’s patriotism and bravery.
In an unusual departure the audience will be invited to join in the choruses of some well-known numbers, testing vocal cords and memories. The choir is conducted by Richard Madden and accompanied by Alison Frude (piano), Ariana Knudson-Hollebon (double bass) and Peter Doyle (drums). Talented music student Orla Dunlop (violin) will play two movements of the Saint-Saens Violin Concerto No 3 in B minor and Honours graduate Erin Connelly-Whyte (soprano), winner of the ODT Aria Competition in 2024 and “Most promising singer” in the Christchurch Araia finals in 2022, will include her favourite aria, Meine Lippen sie kussen so heiß from Guiditta by Franz Lehár. Both will be accompanied by pianist Cameron Monteath, also an Otago music Honours graduate and regular guest. This line-up perfectly aligns with the choir’s mission to support young singers and musicians.
Don’t miss this incredible celebration of music and history!
Where and when: Wanaka, Lake Wanaka Centre, Friday, May 9 at 7.30pm
Arrowtown, Athenaeum Hall, Saturday, May 10 at 7.30pm
Alexandra, Dunstan High School Hall, May 11 at 2.30pm
