At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an Armistice was signed that ended the First World War. On that day 100 years ago, after four years of brutal conflict, war finally gave way to peace.
New Zealand proudly recognises the service of many men and women in both World Wars – and indeed of ongoing international conflict – through Anzac and Armistice Day commemorations. Hamilton Civic Choir is marking this significant day with a special commemoration concert, under the direction of conductor Timothy Carpenter.
Timothy Carpenter says “Armistice Day 2018 marks a hundred years to the day when the guns stopped firing in WW1. In New Zealand, nearly everyone will have had a relative that would have gone to war, and certainly many whom were affected, whether they were living in New Zealand at the time or not. As life gets busier, it becomes harder for younger generations to appreciate and relate to the sacrifices and hardships caused by war; we can always do more to keep remembering. Society idolises celebrities, acclaimed athletes, the rich and famous; not often do we celebrate everyday heroes or slow down enough to reflect on what has been and what has been given to us”
To mark the anniversary, Hamilton Civic Choir will be performing two large and three short works. Joseph Haydn’s Mass in Time for War, also known as Paukenmesse (timpani mass), was written in 1796 as Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Grande Armée were preparing to invade Austria. The work calls for four virtuosic soloists, a heavily involved choir and a prominent timpani part, referring to the drums of battle. The other large work is Paul Mealor’s Stabat Mater. This text is the last spoken words of Mary as she stood at the foot of the cross watching her son die. Although, not a text designated to reflect on the war, it describes the agony of a Mother losing her son and reminds the reader of his sacrifice to the world. It is a famous, beautifully emotional text and this modern and dramatic setting is sure to stir the emotions. The choir also performs Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Lord Thou Hast Been Our Refuge, written in the aftermath of the composer’s wartime experience, Johannes Brahms’ Geistliches Lied and New Zealand composer Andrew Baldwin’s setting of For the Fallen.
Do join us for what promises to be a most memorable commemoration of the Armistice centenary.
Concert Details
What? From Armed to Armistice
When? Saturday 10th November 2018 at 7:30pm
Where? Dr. John Gallagher Concert Chamber, University of Waikato, Hamilton
Tickets? Adults $35, Concession $25, Veterans $20, Children under 18 free; available at the Academy Box Office, 0800 383 5200 & www.waikato.ac.nz/academy/whats-on
**As of 5/11/2018** ONLINE SALES ARE CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE. TICKETS AVAILABLE ON 0800 383 5200 OR AT THE ACADEMY BOX OFFICE
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and are getting them back up asap.
More information: contact secretary@hamiltoncivicchoir.org.nz
Hamilton Civic Choir 