Welcome back again!
NOTE FROM CHALIUM POPPY
Due to the unprecedented events in New Zealand triggered by the Covid-19 outbreak, the Scholars Baroque were forced, like so many other musical ensembles around the country, to rethink and reorganise their original concert plans for 2020.
The Scholars were preparing a programme of beautiful Renaissance polyphony when the country was suddenly forced into lockdown. This was exquisite music and had already caused a great amount of excitement and anticipation in our rehearsals. Although we were saddened to have to end rehearsals for the time being, we all did what had to be done for the common good. Like the rest of you, we just had to wait and see.
Now, the world is a different place. New Zealand is a different country. We have a new appreciation for our families and our communities after the lockdown. It just didn't seem right to simply pick up where we had left off. So, the Scholars Baroque Aotearoa decided to postpone their planned concert of Renaissance music until 2021, and instead, collaborate with our wonderful friends and colleagues of Opus Orchestra, to present Handel's magnificent and thrilling oratorio, Israel in Egypt.
Israel in Egypt, based on the account from the book of Exodus in the Torah, tells the story of a great many things. It begins with the story of human slavery - an entire nation displaced, subjugated, and oppressed. It is, however, and perhaps more importantly, a story of hope and deliverance through seemingly impossible odds. And it ends, appropriately, with a triumphant celebration of thanks.
New Zealand has not been untouched by the Covid-19 epidemic. We have not been spared its effects. We have all be touched by it in some way. But, the story of New Zealand is one of deliverance and perhaps even a cause for us to celebrate what we can achieve when we work as one.
Please join the Scholars Baroque Aotearoa and Opus Orchestra and a line up of some of New Zealand's finest baroque specialist soloists for this exquisite musical feast.
Choir: The Scholars Baroque Aotearoa
Orchestra: Opus Orchestra
Conductor: Peter Walls
Soloists: Jayne Tankersley, soprano; Stephen Diaz, counter-tenor; Lachlan Craig, tenor
SAT 10 OCT | 7:30 PM | St. Mary Immaculate Church | TAURANGA
SUN 11 OCT | 2:30 PM | St. Peter’s Cathedral | HAMILTON
$35 Adult $30 Senior $5 Child / Student (with ID)
ON SALE SOON
The Scholars Baroque will still be presenting their much-loved and highly-anticipated annual performance of Handel's Messiah on Saturday December 5th, with NZBarok orchestra and are joined by an exciting line up soloists.
Chalium Poppy
Artistic & Musical Director
