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PAST CONCERTS
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2023 Concerts
Experience the power and beauty of one of the greatest choral works of all time. The Christchurch City Choir with City Choir Dunedin and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra are proud to present Brahms' German Requiem, a masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
This emotional and uplifting work, composed by Johannes Brahms in the mid-1800s, is a moving tribute to the departed and a source of solace for the living. With its soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and poignant lyrics, the German Requiem is an unforgettable musical journey that will stir your soul and leave you with a sense of hope and renewal.
Under the direction of a skilled conductor and with the powerful voices of the Christchurch City Choir, accompanied by the talented musicians of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, this performance promises to be a night to remember.
Don't miss your chance to experience Brahms' German Requiem in all its glory, at the Christchurch Town Hall on August 19, 2023, at 7:30 pm.
This emotional and uplifting work, composed by Johannes Brahms in the mid-1800s, is a moving tribute to the departed and a source of solace for the living. With its soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and poignant lyrics, the German Requiem is an unforgettable musical journey that will stir your soul and leave you with a sense of hope and renewal.
Under the direction of a skilled conductor and with the powerful voices of the Christchurch City Choir, accompanied by the talented musicians of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, this performance promises to be a night to remember.
Don't miss your chance to experience Brahms' German Requiem in all its glory, at the Christchurch Town Hall on August 19, 2023, at 7:30 pm.
A Celebration for Mother's Day
The Christchurch City Choir and Christchurch Youth Choir join forces for a spectacular choral celebration, accompanied by a chamber orchestra of talented local musicians, in celebration of Mother's Day. The highlight of the concert will be Rutter’s 'Magnificat', a stunning composition that blends classical and contemporary elements to create a truly breathtaking musical experience. With soaring melodies, lush harmonies, and powerful vocals, this work promises to be a fitting tribute to our incredible mothers. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music!
Transitional Cathedral 7pm, 13th May 2023.
Come and Sing
Be a part of something great and create friendships along the way. In a busy life song is so often forgotten. Here’s to reaching out to a past love of music and to being a part of something bigger than yourself. Being a part of the Christchurch City Choir an opportunity to sing wonderful music in a friendly professional environment with musical camaraderie. Workshop and rehearsals 10am-3.00pm, 18 March 2023.
Come and Watch
Come to the concert at 3pm, 18 March 2023 in the beautifully restored St Peter's Church in Upper Riccarton with Christchurch City Choir, Rieger organ, soloists, and guest performers.
Soloists
The Choir will be joined by Organist Jeremy Woodside and local soloists Adrian Lowe and Matthew Harris.
Be a part of something great and create friendships along the way. In a busy life song is so often forgotten. Here’s to reaching out to a past love of music and to being a part of something bigger than yourself. Being a part of the Christchurch City Choir an opportunity to sing wonderful music in a friendly professional environment with musical camaraderie. Workshop and rehearsals 10am-3.00pm, 18 March 2023.
Come and Watch
Come to the concert at 3pm, 18 March 2023 in the beautifully restored St Peter's Church in Upper Riccarton with Christchurch City Choir, Rieger organ, soloists, and guest performers.
Soloists
The Choir will be joined by Organist Jeremy Woodside and local soloists Adrian Lowe and Matthew Harris.
2022 Concerts
Christchurch City Choir returns to the Christchurch Town Hall with our annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Dr John Linker and accompanied by the CSO. A perennial favourite in the concert calendar, Messiah signals that Christmas is on its way. Joyful, majestic and uplifting. Opera soloists, organ, harpsichord, orchestra and choir unite to tell the story of the Messiah.
Soloists are NZ based international Soprano Madeleine Pierard, Alto Leisa Falconer, Tenor Andrew Grenon and Bass James Ioelu.
Principal Sponsor Cuningham Taylor Law
Concert Sponsors South Island Heart and Mitre 10 Mega Ferrymead
With support from Kiwi Gaming Foundation, Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Mainland Foundation.
Soloists are NZ based international Soprano Madeleine Pierard, Alto Leisa Falconer, Tenor Andrew Grenon and Bass James Ioelu.
Principal Sponsor Cuningham Taylor Law
Concert Sponsors South Island Heart and Mitre 10 Mega Ferrymead
With support from Kiwi Gaming Foundation, Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Mainland Foundation.
Majesty-Music for Royal Occasions presented by Christchurch City Choir. We sing this concert in memory of and thanksgiving for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and also in celebration of the commencement of the reign of His Majesty King Charles III. This programme features music intended for use at a variety of royal occasions, from coronations, to funerals, to private devotions.
We welcome soloists Katherine Doig, Adrian Lowe, Alex Robinson, and Christopher Warwick, Christchurch City Choir’s accompanist Jeremy Woodside alongside trumpeters Thomas Eves and Lena Krakowiak.
Featuring music by CHH Parry, Henry Purcell, Willian Byrd, Edward Elgar, GF Handel, William Walton and WA Mozart.
Transitional Cathedral, 7pm Saturday 24 September 2022
We welcome soloists Katherine Doig, Adrian Lowe, Alex Robinson, and Christopher Warwick, Christchurch City Choir’s accompanist Jeremy Woodside alongside trumpeters Thomas Eves and Lena Krakowiak.
Featuring music by CHH Parry, Henry Purcell, Willian Byrd, Edward Elgar, GF Handel, William Walton and WA Mozart.
Transitional Cathedral, 7pm Saturday 24 September 2022
A Night at The Opera
Christchurch City Choir with soloists Deborah Wai Kapohe, Sarah-Jane Rennie and Oliver Sewell.
The Piano 7pm-9.30pm
We hope you can join us to celebrate performing again and enjoy an evening of your favourite opera choruses sung by the Christchurch City Choir and your favourite arias sung by three world class opera singers with Jeremy Woodside on piano. Conductor Dr John Linker.
Programme featuring selections by:
LEONCAVALLO PURCELL PUCCINI BIZET VERDI
WAGNER DONIZETTI ROSSINI MOZART
Gillian WHITEHEAD GERSHWIN BERNSTEIN
Christchurch City Choir with soloists Deborah Wai Kapohe, Sarah-Jane Rennie and Oliver Sewell.
The Piano 7pm-9.30pm
We hope you can join us to celebrate performing again and enjoy an evening of your favourite opera choruses sung by the Christchurch City Choir and your favourite arias sung by three world class opera singers with Jeremy Woodside on piano. Conductor Dr John Linker.
Programme featuring selections by:
LEONCAVALLO PURCELL PUCCINI BIZET VERDI
WAGNER DONIZETTI ROSSINI MOZART
Gillian WHITEHEAD GERSHWIN BERNSTEIN
2021 Concerts
Handel's Messiah Choruses
7.30pm 4 December 2021 at Knox Church (Corner Bealey Ave and Victoria St)
After sadly cancelling our Annual Messiah at Christchurch Town Hall Concert with Sponsors John Rhind Funeral Director and Cunningham Taylor Law by popular demand we bring you Handel's Messiah Choruses with Narration by Eilish Moran. This is a special opportunity for friends, family and supporters to welcome the festive season. With strictly limited capacity you must book early. This concert is being made possible with support from Christchurch City Creative NZ Communities.
7.30pm 4 December 2021 at Knox Church (Corner Bealey Ave and Victoria St)
After sadly cancelling our Annual Messiah at Christchurch Town Hall Concert with Sponsors John Rhind Funeral Director and Cunningham Taylor Law by popular demand we bring you Handel's Messiah Choruses with Narration by Eilish Moran. This is a special opportunity for friends, family and supporters to welcome the festive season. With strictly limited capacity you must book early. This concert is being made possible with support from Christchurch City Creative NZ Communities.
Brahms' A German Requiem- NEW DATE 19 August 2023!
It is with great disappointment that we announce the postponement of our 2021 Brahms concert A German Requiem. In order for the rehearsals and concert to go ahead, Christchurch must be in Covid Level 1. At this point, we are not confident enough that this will be the case in time.
This is very disappointing for all the singers, sponsors and teams involved in the concert who have worked so hard to prepare and rehearse, and we're sorry to disappoint all of you who were looking forward to it. We will work hard to find an alternative date.
A big thank you to our Concert Sponsors: South Island Heart and Mitre 10 Mega Ferrymead and with support from Kiwi Gaming Trust.
It is with great disappointment that we announce the postponement of our 2021 Brahms concert A German Requiem. In order for the rehearsals and concert to go ahead, Christchurch must be in Covid Level 1. At this point, we are not confident enough that this will be the case in time.
This is very disappointing for all the singers, sponsors and teams involved in the concert who have worked so hard to prepare and rehearse, and we're sorry to disappoint all of you who were looking forward to it. We will work hard to find an alternative date.
A big thank you to our Concert Sponsors: South Island Heart and Mitre 10 Mega Ferrymead and with support from Kiwi Gaming Trust.
Conductor Dr John Linker has selected music that represents some of the finest works in the repertoire by female composers for Christchurch City Choir as they perform for the first time in the beautiful chapel at St Andrew's College and featuring tenor Oliver Sewell and Organist/Pianist Jeremy Woodside. Join us to celebrate our 30th Anniversary Year.
Conductor Dr John Linker
3 July 2021, 6.30pm
St Andrew's College Chapel (Normans Rd, ChCh)
Concert Sponsor: Ryman Healthcare
With generous support from the Roy Owen Dixey Trust and CNZ Creative Communities
Conductor Dr John Linker
3 July 2021, 6.30pm
St Andrew's College Chapel (Normans Rd, ChCh)
Concert Sponsor: Ryman Healthcare
With generous support from the Roy Owen Dixey Trust and CNZ Creative Communities
As autumn’s seasonal change brings about warmer colours outdoors, enjoy a cosy evening inside with us at the recently opened Aldersgate Centre.
Christchurch City Choir along with conductor Dr John Linker, organist Jeremy Woodside and members of Addington Brass join to celebrate the work of Haydn, Beethoven, Shearing, and Rutter as part of the Choir’s 30th Anniversary year. Works featured include Rutter’s Gloria, movements from The Seasons by Haydn, Beethoven’s Hallelujah (from Christ on the Mount of Olives) and Shearing’s setting of Songs and Sonnets of Shakespeare.
Changing Seasons has received funding from The Southern Trust.
Christchurch City Choir along with conductor Dr John Linker, organist Jeremy Woodside and members of Addington Brass join to celebrate the work of Haydn, Beethoven, Shearing, and Rutter as part of the Choir’s 30th Anniversary year. Works featured include Rutter’s Gloria, movements from The Seasons by Haydn, Beethoven’s Hallelujah (from Christ on the Mount of Olives) and Shearing’s setting of Songs and Sonnets of Shakespeare.
Changing Seasons has received funding from The Southern Trust.
2020 Concerts
Christchurch City Choir returns to the Christchurch Town Hall for Handel’s Messiah, joined by members of Christchurch Youth Choir, conducted by Dr John Linker and accompanied by the CSO to mark the beginning of the Choir's 30th Anniversary year.
A perennial favourite in the concert calendar, Messiah signals that Christmas is on its way. Joyful, majestic and uplifting.
Opera soloists, organ, harpsichord, orchestra and choir unite to tell the story of the Messiah.
2020 featured soloists: Auckland soprano Anna Pierard, NZ based Swedish mezzo-soprano Catrin Johnsson, NZ international tenor Oliver Sewell and US based bass-baritone Paul Whelan. Jeremy Woodside on Organ and Grant Bartley on Harpsichord.
Principal Sponsor: Cuningham Taylor Law
Concert Sponsor: John Rhind Funerals
Key Funders: Mainland Foundation, Pub Charity, Christchurch City Council
A perennial favourite in the concert calendar, Messiah signals that Christmas is on its way. Joyful, majestic and uplifting.
Opera soloists, organ, harpsichord, orchestra and choir unite to tell the story of the Messiah.
2020 featured soloists: Auckland soprano Anna Pierard, NZ based Swedish mezzo-soprano Catrin Johnsson, NZ international tenor Oliver Sewell and US based bass-baritone Paul Whelan. Jeremy Woodside on Organ and Grant Bartley on Harpsichord.
Principal Sponsor: Cuningham Taylor Law
Concert Sponsor: John Rhind Funerals
Key Funders: Mainland Foundation, Pub Charity, Christchurch City Council
'Looking Back, Moving Forward'
Saturday 25 July 2020
730pm @ Transitional Cathedral
Christchurch City Choir with Lois Johnston (Soprano), Malcolm Leitch (Baritone) and Jeremy Woodside (Organ) presents an evening of reflective music. Singing Requiem, Opus 48 [Gabriel Fauré] and and other works for choir and organ, conducted by Dr John Linker in the beautiful Transitional Cathedral, this will be an evening not to be missed.
Looking back on our COVID-19 journey so far, remembering those we lost and looking forward to what the future holds. Join us for 60 minutes of music and contemplation. Entry is by koha but seats are limited so secure your tickets at Eventfinda.
Saturday 25 July 2020
730pm @ Transitional Cathedral
Christchurch City Choir with Lois Johnston (Soprano), Malcolm Leitch (Baritone) and Jeremy Woodside (Organ) presents an evening of reflective music. Singing Requiem, Opus 48 [Gabriel Fauré] and and other works for choir and organ, conducted by Dr John Linker in the beautiful Transitional Cathedral, this will be an evening not to be missed.
Looking back on our COVID-19 journey so far, remembering those we lost and looking forward to what the future holds. Join us for 60 minutes of music and contemplation. Entry is by koha but seats are limited so secure your tickets at Eventfinda.
2019 Concerts
Messiah
7 December 2019 in the Christchurch Town Hall for the first time since 2011.
Conductor - Dr John Linker
with the Christchurch Youth Choir, CSO, Martin Setchell and Grant Bartley
Soprano - Deborah Wai Kapohe
Mezzo - Elisabeth Harris
Tenor - Jared Holt (Messiah tenor debut)
Bass - Martin Snell
7 December 2019 in the Christchurch Town Hall for the first time since 2011.
Conductor - Dr John Linker
with the Christchurch Youth Choir, CSO, Martin Setchell and Grant Bartley
Soprano - Deborah Wai Kapohe
Mezzo - Elisabeth Harris
Tenor - Jared Holt (Messiah tenor debut)
Bass - Martin Snell
2018 Concerts
Messiah 2018
Review by Christopher Moore
Christchurch’s annual performance of The Messiah has always been a signal that Canterbury’s Christmas can begin. However, after decades of presenting the work, has it evolved into a sweetly polite musical ritual or an opportunity to understand and expand a contemporary appreciation of what Handel’s enduring oratorio can be and achieve?
It is easy to diminish the powerful emotions that fuel The Messiah – and few other composers have employed music to fully convey drama, sorrow, joy and collective enthusiasm as George Frederick Handel. But a 21st century Messiah’s ultimate emotional – and spiritual – impact demands a sense of adventure and risk taking to avoid becoming a musical cliché.
Christchurch 2018 performance featured the Christchurch City Choir, members of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and soloists (sopranos Madison Nonoa and Anna Pierard, Simon O’Neill, tenor and Joel Amosa, baritone) under the musical direction of John Linker. Martin Setchell played the continuo organ while Grant Bartley was at the harpsichord.
The performance was in St Margaret College’s Charles Luney Auditorium. While the auditorium has served a vital and invaluable role since the 2011 earthquakes, there’s a constant risk that its confined space and slightly flat acoustics could hamper a performance, especially in a large-scale work like The Messiah. Musicians and singers must pull every stop out to tame the beast and overcome the physical restrictions.
Perhaps this reason was why Part One, despite some powerfully sung solos, threatened to become a polite but conventional experience. Some of the choruses, notably For unto us a child is born and Glory To God appeared to lack energy. Admittedly, the work’s first part can be regarded as a prologue but there were moments when the choir seemed to be singing from the score rather than its collective heart. Everyone appeared to be cautiously feeling his or her way.
It was left to the soloists to fuel the performance. Simon O’Neill’s burnished gold tenor and operatic technique made arias like Comfort ye my people a satisfying experience while Joel Amosa’s sumptuous baritone and engaging technique showed why he won this year’s Lexus Song Quest. Madison Nonoa’s soprano was a revelation as it sparkled, swooped and soared, obviously relishing Handel’s operatic flourishes and melodic ornamentations. Anna Pierard meanwhile injected a quiet dignity and strength into her solos.
We’ll never know what was said during John Linker’s team talk at half time but it soon became apparent that this was going to be a performance of two halves. An re-energised choir plunged into the music and words with a real sense of attack and vigour. Even familiar Hallelujah Chorus contained a ferocious strength and purpose (and, yes, the audience stood. Christchurch knows its musical etiquette.) The evening was suddenly transformed from the merely competent to the sublime.
The Messiah’s real drama is played out in its second and third sections where Handel’s genius emerges in arias ranging from the spiritual desolation of He was despised, the marvellous martial bustle of Why do the nations and some of the greatest choruses ever written.
Arguably the evening’s climax arrives in the final chorus, Worthy is The Lamb with its monumental fugal passages ending in a massive Amen. It’s an immensely powerful culmination of the oratorio’s entire spiritual and musical message. For the great Amen Linker fused the soloists with the choir, increasing the musical textures from a gentle beginning to overwhelming waves of sound. It was an extraordinary affirmation of everything Handel was communicating and a transformed performance that fully deserved the audience’s lengthy standing ovation.
Next year, all going according to plan, The Messiah will be back where it belongs in the restored and renovated Christchurch Town Hall. Hallelujah!
Review by Christopher Moore
Christchurch’s annual performance of The Messiah has always been a signal that Canterbury’s Christmas can begin. However, after decades of presenting the work, has it evolved into a sweetly polite musical ritual or an opportunity to understand and expand a contemporary appreciation of what Handel’s enduring oratorio can be and achieve?
It is easy to diminish the powerful emotions that fuel The Messiah – and few other composers have employed music to fully convey drama, sorrow, joy and collective enthusiasm as George Frederick Handel. But a 21st century Messiah’s ultimate emotional – and spiritual – impact demands a sense of adventure and risk taking to avoid becoming a musical cliché.
Christchurch 2018 performance featured the Christchurch City Choir, members of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and soloists (sopranos Madison Nonoa and Anna Pierard, Simon O’Neill, tenor and Joel Amosa, baritone) under the musical direction of John Linker. Martin Setchell played the continuo organ while Grant Bartley was at the harpsichord.
The performance was in St Margaret College’s Charles Luney Auditorium. While the auditorium has served a vital and invaluable role since the 2011 earthquakes, there’s a constant risk that its confined space and slightly flat acoustics could hamper a performance, especially in a large-scale work like The Messiah. Musicians and singers must pull every stop out to tame the beast and overcome the physical restrictions.
Perhaps this reason was why Part One, despite some powerfully sung solos, threatened to become a polite but conventional experience. Some of the choruses, notably For unto us a child is born and Glory To God appeared to lack energy. Admittedly, the work’s first part can be regarded as a prologue but there were moments when the choir seemed to be singing from the score rather than its collective heart. Everyone appeared to be cautiously feeling his or her way.
It was left to the soloists to fuel the performance. Simon O’Neill’s burnished gold tenor and operatic technique made arias like Comfort ye my people a satisfying experience while Joel Amosa’s sumptuous baritone and engaging technique showed why he won this year’s Lexus Song Quest. Madison Nonoa’s soprano was a revelation as it sparkled, swooped and soared, obviously relishing Handel’s operatic flourishes and melodic ornamentations. Anna Pierard meanwhile injected a quiet dignity and strength into her solos.
We’ll never know what was said during John Linker’s team talk at half time but it soon became apparent that this was going to be a performance of two halves. An re-energised choir plunged into the music and words with a real sense of attack and vigour. Even familiar Hallelujah Chorus contained a ferocious strength and purpose (and, yes, the audience stood. Christchurch knows its musical etiquette.) The evening was suddenly transformed from the merely competent to the sublime.
The Messiah’s real drama is played out in its second and third sections where Handel’s genius emerges in arias ranging from the spiritual desolation of He was despised, the marvellous martial bustle of Why do the nations and some of the greatest choruses ever written.
Arguably the evening’s climax arrives in the final chorus, Worthy is The Lamb with its monumental fugal passages ending in a massive Amen. It’s an immensely powerful culmination of the oratorio’s entire spiritual and musical message. For the great Amen Linker fused the soloists with the choir, increasing the musical textures from a gentle beginning to overwhelming waves of sound. It was an extraordinary affirmation of everything Handel was communicating and a transformed performance that fully deserved the audience’s lengthy standing ovation.
Next year, all going according to plan, The Messiah will be back where it belongs in the restored and renovated Christchurch Town Hall. Hallelujah!
2017 Concerts
The Best and Wurst of American Music- Saturday 23 September 4pm at The Piano - Armagh Street, Christchurch
Internet sensation Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir, Grainger's "A Tribute to Stephen Foster" and the austere sparseness of that greatly, under appreciated by discerning music buffs, Oratorio "The Seasonings" by PDQ Bach.
Christchurch City Choir and soloists Amanda Atlas, Margot Button, Ravil Atlas, Nigel Withington and Peter Hind.
Internet sensation Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir, Grainger's "A Tribute to Stephen Foster" and the austere sparseness of that greatly, under appreciated by discerning music buffs, Oratorio "The Seasonings" by PDQ Bach.
Christchurch City Choir and soloists Amanda Atlas, Margot Button, Ravil Atlas, Nigel Withington and Peter Hind.
Timaru Concert
Saturday 10th September 2016
Sacred Heart Basilica, Timaru
John Linker conducted the choir and played organ in an intimate afternoon concert in Timaru to an apreciative audience, some of who came on the road trip with the choir and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of hearing the choir in the wonderful acoustic.
Programme:
Bach - Cantata No.80
Vierne - Messe Solennelle
Shearing - Songs and Sonnets
Saturday 10th September 2016
Sacred Heart Basilica, Timaru
John Linker conducted the choir and played organ in an intimate afternoon concert in Timaru to an apreciative audience, some of who came on the road trip with the choir and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of hearing the choir in the wonderful acoustic.
Programme:
Bach - Cantata No.80
Vierne - Messe Solennelle
Shearing - Songs and Sonnets
WW1 Commemoration
Sunday 15 November 2015
Wigram Airforce Museum
Canterbury Anniversary weekend saw the choir premiere a specially commissioned piece at a free concert at the Air Force Museum at Wigram. The choir and Addington Brass joined together to perform the world premiere of ‘Pro Patria’, a work for choir and brass band composed by Dr. Philip Norman. The commemorative work used texts from WWI poetry and was commissioned with a grant from the Lottery Grants Board WW100 Fund.
The concert was well attended and the enthusiastic crowd joined us in a sing-along of WWI patriotic songs, as well as hearing other music performed by Addington Brass and the choir.
Sunday 15 November 2015
Wigram Airforce Museum
Canterbury Anniversary weekend saw the choir premiere a specially commissioned piece at a free concert at the Air Force Museum at Wigram. The choir and Addington Brass joined together to perform the world premiere of ‘Pro Patria’, a work for choir and brass band composed by Dr. Philip Norman. The commemorative work used texts from WWI poetry and was commissioned with a grant from the Lottery Grants Board WW100 Fund.
The concert was well attended and the enthusiastic crowd joined us in a sing-along of WWI patriotic songs, as well as hearing other music performed by Addington Brass and the choir.
War Requiem
Saturday 3 October 2015
Air Force Museum of NZ, Wigram
Presented by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in association with the Christchurch City Choir, Britten's War Reqiuem is a work of profound emotional and moral depth that has become regarded as one of the great choral works of the 20th century.
Featuring Morag Atchison, Christopher Bowen and Jared Holt.
Saturday 3 October 2015
Air Force Museum of NZ, Wigram
Presented by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in association with the Christchurch City Choir, Britten's War Reqiuem is a work of profound emotional and moral depth that has become regarded as one of the great choral works of the 20th century.
Featuring Morag Atchison, Christopher Bowen and Jared Holt.
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
2015Faure by Candlelight
20142013
Sounds Syncopated
Messiah |
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