Auckland Welsh Choir to introduce young Welsh singer in globe-spanning musical programme

The Auckland Welsh Choir will perform Celtic songs with connections from as far afield as Nova Scotia and Germany, in a 6 March concert presenting Elin, a young singer newly arrived from her native Wales. The concert, a St David’s Day tribute to the patron saint of Wales, will feature much-loved favourites balanced with new and interesting musical performances.

The choir is performing for the first time in the stunning concert venue of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Takapuna, Auckland.

The St David’s Day 2011 line-up includes songs from Scotland (‘My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose’), Nova Scotia (‘Cape Breton Lullaby’), and Wales, with musical accompaniment from piano, strings and flute. The audience may feel inclined to dance in the aisles to the string band, weep for Danny Boy and be stirred by the wonderful Welsh Anthem.

The choir was established in 1988 and has been under the musical direction of Diana Williams Rhodes for the past decade. The assistant musical director is Steven Rapana.

The choir offers a wide range of accessible and enjoyable music, principally in a lyrical and folk style, and features invited soloists, vocal and instrumental (some from within the choir) to perform along with the choir. The cornerstone of music is in Welsh with a large proportion in English and some repertoire in Italian, French, German, Pacific languages and Latin.

Proceeds from concerts, which number up to six in any year, have assisted charities throughout New Zealand. The choir also supports and encourage young people to develop musically through a scholarship programme which includes the provision of vocal training. The St David's Day 2011 concert proceeds will go towards funding scholarships for the coming financial year.

What: The Auckland Welsh Choir’s St David’s Day Concert
When: Sunday 6 March, 3pm
Where: St Joseph’s Catholic Church, cnr Taharoto and Dominion Streets, Takapuna, Auckland

Tickets can be purchased for $25 + service fee through www.iticket.co.nz or phone (09) 361 1000, or at the door (children are free). Concessions are available for student rush and group bookings.