Vocal fireworks, a cappella singing, the full force of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, and a joyful rendition of O Holy Night in Samoan. That’s just some of the magic in store when the NZSO joins with leading choirs for three classic Christmas concerts next month.
 

Vocal fireworks, a cappella singing, the full force of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, and a joyful rendition of O Holy Night in Samoan. That’s just some of the magic in store when the NZSO joins with leading choirs for three classic Christmas concerts next month.
 
The concerts in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch feature 2009 Song Quest winner, soprano Aivale Cole, and will be under the baton of one of Britain’s most versatile conductors, Paul Goodwin.
 
This may be the last chance to hear rising star Aivale Cole for some time, as she is moving to London early next year.
 
Aivale sings extracts of Handel’s Messiah and adds vocal fireworks to the night with Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate. While the evening draws on traditional European Christmas music, Aivale also gifts some of her own heritage when she sings one verse of her favourite carol - O Holy Night - in Samoan.
 
As well as providing soaring vocal power to accompanied pieces, leading choristers and choirs will perform two a cappella songs by 20th Century German composer Max Reger.
 
In contrast, the orchestra, without the choirs, performs Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, evoking a gentle, pastoral dance, and Respighi’s Trittico Bottecelliano, which paints an exquisite, impressionistic portrait of the Nativity.
 
In the hectic, commercial lead-up to Christmas, the NZSO Christmas Tour, sponsored by Pacific Blue, is an oasis of joyous music for the soul.
 
With these three evenings, the NZSO begins a new tradition of Christmas concerts. Next December the NZSO extends its Christmas concerts to 10 centres.
 
For interviews with Aivale Cole or Paul Goodwin, images and information, contact:
NZSO Assistant Publicist Marita Vandenberg 
 
MOB      021 1664 951
Email:    publicist@nzso.co.nz
TEL:        04 801 3833 
 
 

 
Christmas with the NZSO and Aivale Cole
The Pacific Blue Tour
 
Wellington Michael Fowler Centre / Thurs 9 December / 7.30pm
With the choir and choristers of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Book at TICKETEK:  0800-842-538
 
Auckland Town Hall / Sat 11 December / 7.30pm
With the choir of Holy Trinity Cathedral Auckland
Book at THE EDGE: 0800-289-842
 
Christchurch Town Hall /Tue 14 December / 7.30pm
With the New Zealand Youth Choir Alumni Choir, incorporating the Jubilate Singers
Book at TICKETEK: 0800-842-538
 
Tickets start from $29. Booking fees apply.
 
Programme:
Britten:      Men of Goodwill
Mozart:     Exsultate Jubilate K 165
Respighi:   Botticelli Triptyque – Il L’adorazione dei Magi
Handel:      Messiah: Rejoice
Then shall the eyes of the blind be open’d
He shall feed his flock
His yoke is easy
 
Corelli:         Concerto Grosso Op 6 No 8 in G minor – Christmas Concerto
Reger:          O Jesulein süß                                                                                                             
Adam Doy:  O Holy Night
Nicolai:        Christmas Overture
Rutter:        Shepherd’s Pipe Carol
Traditional Arr. Rutter:   Away in a Manger
Handel:      Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus                                                            
 
                                              Fast Facts

·  A capella singing is voices only – there’s no instrumental accompaniment, though some singers maintain that their voice is an instrument.

·  George Frideric Handel is said to have taken just 24 days to write Messiah – which is often incorrectly referred to as “The” Messiah.

·  Sometimes audiences stand when they hear the first notes of the Hallelujah Chorus. The tradition began in 1743 when King George II rose to his feet. It is    unclear why - he may have been stretching his legs, or, as he was partially deaf, he mistook the opening notes for the national anthem, or he may have    risen to his feet out of respect.

·  Mozart’s spectacular Exsultate Jubilate was written when he was just 16.

·  In 2007, conductor Paul Goodwin was awarded the Handel Honorary Prize of the City of Halle in Germany, in recognition of his extraordinary services to    performances of works by Handel.

·  Aivale Cole says the defining moment in her decision to follow a singing career came when her Wellington East Girls’ College music teacher took her to    Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers.

·  Aivale Cole used to play serious rugby before deciding to focus on her singing career. She remains an avid sports fan.

·  Singing in a choir is said to benefit both your physical and mental health!