CONCERT PROGRAMME
Music Director: Elise Bradley, MNZM
Assistant Conductor: Maria Colvin
Guest Pianist: Christopher Greenslade
Miha
I. Moe mai rฤ
II. E te Ariki
III. Korลria
IV. Tapu / Whakapaingia
V. He Tลซrama mutunga kore
VII. Nau mai rฤ
Takerei Komene
Organist: Martin Setchell
Soloists: Jayne Tankersley (Soprano), Holly Hampson-Tindale (Alto), Iele Ieremia (Tenor), Harry Neil (Baritone)
Conductor: Evelyn Falconer
For God So Loved the World
Bob Chilcott
Soloist: Alana Bennett
A Little Jazz Mass
Bob Chilcott
INTERMISSION
Lux Aeterna
ฤriks Eลกenvalds
Count The Stars
Andy Beck
Lux Aeterna
I. Introitus
II. In Te, Domine, Speravi
III. O Nata Lux
IV. Veni, Sancte Spiritus
V. Agnus Dei – Lux Aeterna
Morten Lauridsen
Organist: Martin Setchell
PROGRAMME NOTES
Miha – Takerei Komene (b.1999)
Miha is A Mass in Te Reo Mฤori. It was originally composed and premiered for the choir of Holy Trinity Cathedral Parnell in 2022. Tonightโs performance is a combination of Takereiโs Miha and He Waiata Polroali – to be sung alongside Miha for the occasion of the Requiem Mass. Whilst primarily scored for SATB and Organ. The choir accompanies SATB soloists in other movements. This version of Miha was specially revised and prepared for the Hamilton Civic Choir. [text translation]
God So Loved The World – Bob Chilcott (b. 1955)
Fresh and unsentimental, this setting is as beautiful as the familiar anthem by Stainer of this much-loved text.
A Little Jazz Mass – Bob Chilcott (b. 1955)
Bob Chilcottโs A Little Jazz Mass cleverly blends traditional Latin Mass text with vibrant jazz idioms. Composed in 2004, the mass captures jazzโs rhythmic vitality and harmonic richness through lively syncopation, swinging melodies, and blues-inflected harmonies. Each movement, from the energetic Kyrie to the contemplative Agnus Dei, brims with character, inviting both performers and audiences to experience the sacred text through a fresh, contemporary lens.
Chilcottโs love for jazz has been evident throughout his composing career. He began as an arranger for the BBC Radio Orchestra and, while a member of the Kingโs Singers, performed with renowned artists like George Shearing, Richard Rodney Bennett, John Dankworth, Art Farmer, and the WDR Big Band. These experiences and influences have profoundly impacted his music.
Chilcottโs jazz influences shine through in A Little Jazz Mass. The Kyrie has a real groove, the Gloria swings, the Sanctus sits back, the Benedictus hums along, and the Agnus Dei draws inspiration from the Blues. The voices are underpinned by a characterful piano accompaniment that can be played as written or serve as a guide. Bass and drums can join ad lib, giving the flavour of an authentic improvised jazz trio.
This highly effective setting of the Latin Missa brevis, available in arrangements for both upper voice and mixed voice choirs, is one of Chilcottโs most celebrated and popular choral works. It has received countless performances worldwide, including at St Paulโs Cathedral, London. [text translation]
Lux Aeterna – ฤriks Eลกenvalds (b. 1977)
ฤriks Eลกenvalds’ Lux Aeterna is a radiant choral work that weaves ethereal harmonies with shimmering textures, creating an atmosphere of transcendent light. Known for his innovative use of soundscapes, Eลกenvalds incorporates subtle dissonances and rich tonal clusters to evoke a sense of the eternal. The piece gently unfolds, immersing the listener in waves of luminous sound that reflect the textโs sacred longing for perpetual light and peace.
His simple and meditative setting of Lux Aeterna brings to life the serene moment when light passes through a stained glass window. Eลกenvalds transforms the vision of glowing light to human voice in the choir in this beautiful and peaceful work. In the composerโs words: โLux Aeterna is my harmonically-melodic painting of a moment when both, a choirโs singing and light-rays streaming through a stained-glass window resonate in the arches and vaults of a church.โ [text translation]
Count The Stars – Andy Beck (b. 1986)
Andy Beckโs Count the Stars is a lyrical choral piece that draws inspiration from the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky. With its flowing melodic lines and gentle harmonic shifts, the composition evokes a sense of wonder and reflection. The text encourages listeners to contemplate the vastness of the universe and the enduring nature of dreams. Beckโs sensitive setting allows choirs to express both the grandeur and intimacy of the celestial theme.
These diverse works showcase the versatility of choral music, blending sacred traditions with contemporary sounds to create evocative musical experiences.
Lux Aeterna – Morten Lauridsen (b.1943)
Morten Lauridsen composed Lux Aeterna in 1997, the year his mother passed away. The five movements of the work are based on various references to light from sacred Latin texts, (The Requiem Mass) including perpetual light, light risen in the darkness, Redeemer-born light from light, light of the Holy Spirit, light of hearts, most blessed light, and eternal light. These references support an earthbound spirit seeking not only mercy, understanding, and consolation but also renewal.
Lauridsen opens and closes Lux Aeterna with the beginning and ending of the traditional Requiem Mass. The second movement, โIn Te, Domine, Speraviโ (Lord, I have hoped in you), opens with a chant from the hymn โHerliebster Jesuโ (Dearest Jesus), published in a 1677 songbook. This hymn is addressed to the trusted Lord, to whom the gentle plea for mercy is directed.
The third movement, โO Nata Luxโ (Oh light born [from light]), serves as the centrepiece of the work. From here, all the other references to light seem to emanate. Lauridsen uses beautifully placed tempo changes to linger on the interplay of voice parts, creating a showpiece of a cappella choral singing in the style of Renaissance polyphony.
In โVeni, Sancte Spiritusโ (Come, Holy Spirit), voices soar to high notes on both the words lucis (light) and fletu (grief). This pairing serves as a bridge, connecting all who share the experience of grief. Unison singing at the phrase O lux beatissima (O most blessed light) encourages our hearts with the humble insight necessary to petition on behalf of those we have lost.
The final movement, โAgnus Dei โ Lux Aeternaโ (Lamb of God, Eternal Light), begins with a long, whispered prayer on behalf of the dead. It swells into full voice on the phrase โlux aeternaโ and ends with an optimistic Alleluia. [text translation]
Songs performed by Rotorua District Choir will be described in-person by the director at their discretion.
TEXT TRANSLATIONS
Miha (Komene)
I. Moe mai rฤ
Moe mai rฤ
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine
ex lux perpetua luceat eis
I. Moe mai rฤ
Rest in peace
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them
II. E te Ariki
E te Ariki, kia aroha mai
E te Karaiti, kia aroha mai
E te Ariki, kia aroha mai
II. E te Ariki
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
III. Korลria
Korลria ki te Atua i runga rawa,
he maungฤrongo ki tลna iwi i runga i te whenua
III. Korลria
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace to all people on earth
E te Ariki e te Atua, e te Kingi o te rangi
e te Atua Kaha rawa e te Matua,
ka koropiko mฤtou ki a koe, ka whakawhetai
ka whakamoemiti ki a koe mล tลu korลria
Lord God, King of heaven
Almighty God and Father
We bow to you, we give you thanks
We praise you for your glory
E te Ariki e ฤชhu Karaiti,
te Tama kotahi a te Matua,
e te Ariki e te Atua, e te Reme a te Atua,
e waha atu nei i ngฤ hara o te ao:
tohungia mฤtou,
e noho mai nฤ koe i te ringa matau o te Matua:
whakarongo mai ki tฤ mฤtou ฤซnoi
Lord Jesus Christ,
Only Son of the Father
Lord God, Lamb of God
You take away the sins of the world:
have mercy upon us
You are seated at the right hand of the Father:
hear our prayer
Ko koe anake te Tapu,
ko koe anake te Ariki,
ko koe anake te Runga Rawa,
e ฤชhu Karaiti
me te Wairua Tapu
i roto i te korลria o te Atua Matua,
ฤmine
You alone are holy
You alone are the Lord
You alone are the Most High
Jesus Christ
and the Holy Spirit
in the glory of God the Father
Amen
IV. Tapu / Whakapaingia
Tapu, tapu, he tapu te Ariki
Te Atua o te mana me te kaha
kฤซ tonu te rangi me te whenua i tลu korลria,
IV. Tapu / Whakapaingia
Holy, holy Lord
God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Whakapaingia a ia e haere mai nei i runga
i te Ingoa o te Ariki
Ohana i runga rawa
Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest
V. He tลซrama mutunga kore
He tลซrama mutunga kore
V. He tลซrama mutunga kore
Light without end
Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine
Cum sanctis tuis in aeternum
quia pius es
May light eternal shine upon them, O Lord
with the Saints forevermore
for you are gracious
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine
ex lux perpetua luceat eis
Cum sanctis tuis in aeternum:
quia pius es
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them
with the Saints forevermore
for you are gracious
VII. Nau mai rฤ
Nau mai rฤ
VII. Nau mai rฤ
Welcome home
In paradisum deducant te Angeli:
in tuo adventu suscipiant te Matyres,
et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem
Chorus angelorum te suscipiat,
et cum Lazaro quondam paupere aeternam habeas requiem
May the Angels lead you into paradise
may the Martyrs receive you at your arrival
and lead you into the holy city of Jerusalem
May the choir of Angels receive you,
and with Lazarus, who once was poor, may you
have eternal rest
A Little Jazz Mass (Chilcott)
I. Kyrie
Kyrie eleison.
Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
I. Kyrie
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
II. Gloria
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.
Laudamus te, benedicimus te,
Adoramus te, glorificamus te.
Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.
II. Gloria
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth to men of good will.
We praise You, we bless You,
We worship You, we glorify You.
We give You thanks for Your great glory.
Domine Deus, Rex coelestis,
Deus Pater omnipotens.
Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe.
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris.
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Miserere nobis.
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Suscipe deprecationem nostram.
Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris,
miserere nobis.
Lord God, King of Heaven,
God the Father Almighty.
Lord only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father.
You who take away the sin of the world,
Have mercy on us.
You who take away the sin of the world,
Hear our prayer.
You who sit at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
Quoniam tu solus sanctus, tu solus Dominus,
Tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe.
Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris,
Amen.
For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord,
You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ.
With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father,
Amen.
III. Sanctus
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua.
Hosanna in excelsis.
III. Sanctus
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory,
Hosanna in the highest.
IV. Benedictus
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis.
IV. Benedictus
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,
Hosanna in the highest.
V. Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi,
miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi,
dona nobis pacem
V. Agnus Dei
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace.
Lux Aeterna (Eลกenvalds)
Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine,
cum sanctis tuis in aeternum, quia pius es.
May eternal light shine on them, Lord,
with your saints for ever, for you are good.
et lux perpetua luceat eis, Domine,
cum sanctis tuis in aeternum, quia pius es.
and may light perpetual shine upon them, Lord,
with your saints for ever, for you are good.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
dona eis requiem.
Give them eternal rest, Lord,
give them rest.
Lux Aeterna (Mortensen)
I. Introitus
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion,
et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem:
Exaudi orationem meam,
ad te omnis caro veniet.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
I. Introitus
Rest eternal grant them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine on them.
You are praised, God, in Zion,
And homage will be paid to you in Jerusalem:
Hear my prayer,
To you all flesh will come.
Rest eternal grant them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine on them.
II. In Te, Domine, Speravi
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem
non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Tu devicto mortis aculeo,
aperuisit credentibus regna coelorum.
II. In Te, Domine, Speravi
Thou, having delivered mankind,
did not disdain the Virginโs womb.
Thou overcame the sting of death
and opened to believers the kingdom of heaven.
Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis.
A light has risen in the darkness for the upright.
Miserere nostri, Domine,
miserere nostri.
Fiat misericordia tua,
Domine, super nos
quemadmodum speravimus in te.
In te Domine, speravi:
non confundar in aeternum.
Have mercy on us, O Lord,
have mercy on us.
Let thy mercy be upon us, O Lord,
for we have hoped in thee.
In thee, O Lord, I have trusted:
let me never be confounded.
III. O Nata Lux
O nata lux de lumine,
Jesu redemptor saeculi,
dignare clemens supplicum
laudes preces que sumere.
Qui carne quondam contegi
dignatus es pro perditis.
Nos membra confer effici,
tui beati corporis.
III. O Nata Lux
O born light of light,
Jesus redeemer of the world,
mercifully deem worthy and accept
praises and prayers from your supplicants.
Who once was clothed in the flesh
for those who are lost.
Allow us to become members of
your holy body.
IV. Veni, Sancte Spiritus
Veni, Sancte Spiritus
et emitte cลlitus
lucis tuae radium.
Veni, pater pauperum,
veni, dator munerum,
veni, lumen cordium.
IV. Veni, Sancte Spiritus
Come, Holy Spirit,
And send from heaven
Your ray of light.
Come, Father of the poor,
Come, giver of gifts,
Come, light of hearts.
Consolator optime,
dulcis hospes animae,
dulce refrigerium.
In labore requies,
in aestu temperies,
in fletu solatium.
The best of Consolers,
Sweet guest of the soul,
Sweet refreshment.
In labor, thou art rest,
In heat, thou art the tempering,
In grief, thou art the consolation.
O lux beatissima,
reple cordis intima
Tuorum fidelium.
Sine tuo numine,
nihil est in homine,
nihil est innoxium.
O light most blessed,
Fill the inmost heart
Of all thy faithful.
Without your grace,
There is nothing in us,
Nothing that is not harmful.
Lava quod est sordidum,
riga quod est aridum,
sana quod est saucium.
Flecte quod est rigidum,
fove quod est frigidum,
rege quod est devium.
Cleanse what is dirty,
Moisten what is dry,
Heal what is hurt.
Flex what is rigid,
Heat what is frigid,
Correct what goes astray.
Da tuis fidelibus,
in te confidentibus,
sacrum septenarium.
Da virtutis meritum,
da salutis exitum,
da perenne gaudium.
Grant to thy faithful,
Those that trust in thee,
Thy sacred seven-fold gifts.
Grant the reward of virtue,
Grant the deliverance of salvation,
Grant joy everlasting.
V. Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona eis requiem.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona eis requiem.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona eis requiem sempiternam.
Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine,
cum sanctis tuis in aeternum,
quia pius es.
Requiem aeternum dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Alleluia, Amen.
V. Agnus Dei
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them rest.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them rest.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them rest forever.
May eternal light shine on them, Lord,
as with your saints in eternity,
because you are merciful.
Grant them eternal rest, Lord,
and let perpetual light shine on them,
Alleluia. Amen.
BIOGRAPHIES
Elise Bradley, MNZM
HCC Musical Director
A passionate musician, award-winning conductor, and internationally respected educator, adjudicator and clinician, Elise Bradley served for many years as the HOD Music at Westlake Girlsโ High School in Auckland, New Zealand, where she founded the schoolโs internationally renowned choir, Key Cygnetures. She directed the New Zealand Secondary Studentsโ Choir from 2001-2007, which won numerous national and international awards. She was also a soloist and member of New Zealandโs National Chamber Choir, Voices New Zealand from 1998 – 2010. In January 2018, Ms. Bradley was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), an honour awarded in recognition of her services to Music, and just recently in March 2025 it was announced that she is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal in honour of her services to childrenโs music education in Canada.
Elise repatriated home to New Zealand at the end of 2021, after 14ยฝ years as the Artistic Director of the Toronto Childrenโs Chorus. During her tenure, the Chorus recorded professionally, commissioned Canadian compositions, collaborated with numerous international and national artists, and represented Toronto and Canada on nine international and four national tours. Ms. Bradley has also received many invitations to conduct, adjudicate choirs, and present at conferences around the globe. Since her return to New Zealand, Elise has co-founded the company “Choral DirectioNZ” and the New Zealand Childrenโs Choral Academy, and has completed a number of Kodรกly Music Certificates for her return to the primary music classroom. She currently co-conducts Choirs Aotearoa New Zealandโs Aotearoa Academy Choir, is the Music Director of the NZCCA Senior Choir and Takapuna Grammar Schoolโs Leonessa, all of which won gold awards at the World Choir Games 2024 in Auckland. She is also the Music Director of the Hamilton Civic Choir, Nota Bella Junior Choir at Westlake Girls’ High School, and the Ficino Primary Choirs.
Chris Greenslade
HCC Guest Pianist
Chris Greenslade completed his honours degree in performance piano with Richard Mapp at the Wellington Conservatorium of Music before continuing his postgraduate studies in the UK at the Royal Northern College of Music with Mark Ray.
Since returning to New Zealand Chris has performed regularly as a soloist and collaborative pianist appearing with the St Mathewโs Chamber orchestra and as the official pianist for Civic Choir from 2019 – 2025 working alongside Elise Bradley and Dr Karen Grylls.
As well as teaching piano and chamber music at St Paulโs Collegiate Chris has been a performance fellow at the University of Waikato and has enjoyed running his own teaching studio for a number of years. His students have had regular success in local and national competitions including the North Shore concerto competition and the Wallace National Jr Piano competition.
He has enjoyed adjudicating for competitions around the North Island including the Chamber Music New Zealand Secondary School contest and as well as being on the national council for IRMTNZ he is an examiner for NZMEB.
Francis Cowan
HCC Collaborative Pianist
Francis Cowan studied piano with Ruby Campbell and then Judith Clark at Victoria University. Following completion of his degree in Piano Performance, he trained at Wellington Teachers College where he continued to major in music.
Francis was appointed Director of Music at St Mark’s Church School in 1989.
In 1994, Francis moved to Hamilton inspired by the respected tradition of music at Southwell School. At Southwell, he trained the Boys’ Choir to international standards and devoted himself to achieving the highest possible level in all aspects of the annual Opera. This included designing and painting the sets and overseeing the artistic direction.
In 2009, Francis was appointed Director of Music at St Paul’s Collegiate School expanding his teaching experience into senior Cambridge and NCEA classes.
Following two years splitting time between St Paul’s Collegiate as Director of Vocal Performance and Norah Howell Fellow Piano Accompanist for the University of Waikato, Francis was appointed as full time Head of Collaborative Piano at the University in 2015. He has enjoyed a busy schedule of coaching and accompaniment for voice and instrumental students. He re-joined the team of pianists for the New Zealand Opera School in 2021, and re-joined Hamilton Civic Choir as collaborative pianist in 2025.
Maria Colvin
HCC Assistant Conductor
Maria Colvin was born in Hamilton, Maria Colvin is a choral and orchestral conductor, flautist, singer, and is the Director of Music at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls.
Maria conducts the award winning Dio choir Bel Suono, and formed the Hamilton Festival Choir and Treble Choir for Arts Festival performances with Hamilton City Brass โ Jenkinโs โThe Armed Manโ in 2023 and Tinโs โTo Shiver the Skyโ with soloists Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono and Elaine Wogan in 2024 and in 2025 “The Carmina Burana”with soloists Jordan Fonoti -Fuimaono, Samuel Mckeever and Jasmine Jessen.
Maria has sung in the London Philharmonic Choir, Graduate Choir, Repertoire Choir, Tauranga Civic Choir, Hamilton Civic Choir, and plays in the Hamilton Pops Orchestra, Trust Waikato Symphony, Civic Players and for numerous school and community musical theatre productions. Maria also gives back to her choral director peers as a member of NZCF Association of Choral Directors committee.
Rotorua District Choir
The Rotorua District Choir started its first iteration under the name the Rotorua Choral Society in 1960 with 40 members performing a well received Schubert’s Mass in G, to a packed St Faith’s Church, Ohinemutu. The choir was renamed in 1965 (to Carter Chorale) and then again in 1989 to Rotorua District Choir to reflect the financial assistance provided by their local council. Members have historically come from all over the district including Murupara, Waikite Valley, Rerewhakaaitu, Ngakuru, Reporoa, Tokoroa and, of course from all suburbs in Rotorua. Since 2010, the choir has enjoed the talents of multiple conductors and musical directors; Elizabeth Pilaar, Ursula Schraa, Martyn Heath and the two current conductors, Evelyn Falconer and Jess Bradley. These conductors have kept the music flowing and the choristers challenged to take on genres and works that keep resounding and echoing through performance spaces region wide. The Choir turned 60 in 2020 and aims to perform three concerts per year. Recent successes include “Music from The Movies” (2023), a collaboration with Opus Orchestra(2023), “Reflections of Light” (2021), a performance with the NZ Male Choir(2021), “Sing Creation” (2019) and numerous Christmas concerts.
Evelyn Falconer
RDC Conductor
Evelyn Falconer began conducting thirty-three years ago after an invitation to start the Rotorua Children’s Choir, that she ran for twelve years. In the intervening time she has conducted the Western Heights Schools Choirs for twenty-six years and shared musical direction of the Rotorua District choir for fifteen years. Evelyn enjoys the different strengths each age group brings, from the young children who learn songs so quickly and give anything a go, to secondary students who learn all songs by heart, and to the adults who sight sing.
Martin Setchell
Guest Organist
Martin Setchell is an international concert organist who believes in promoting entertaining music to a wide audience. From China to Canada, Scotland to Australia, England to Singapore, and New Zealand to Germany, he has delighted audiences the world over with his spirited playing, lively personality, and entertaining repertoire. Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, Martin holds Honours degrees in both French and Music from the University of Exeter and was awarded both the Limpus and Shinn prizes when he received his Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists in London.
He emigrated to New Zealand in 1974 on his appointment to the University of Canterbury School of Music where he taught for 40 years and became Associate Professor of Music. In 2014 he resigned his University position in order to devote himself full time to his work as a professional freelance musician, performing as soloist and conductor, writing, speaking, editing and teaching. Since 1997, when he was appointed curator of the Rieger pipe organ in the Christchurch Town Hall, he has devoted himself to promoting the organ as a concert instrument internationally.
His solo concert tours outside New Zealand have taken him to Australia, America, Europe and the Far East. His CDs include A Taste of Shropshire, (Quantum) recorded at Ludlow Parish church in England, the highly successful Bonbons for Organ series and Pink and White, an anthology of New Zealand organ music (Atoll), Great Australasian Organs VII featuring the Rieger organ of Christchurch Town Hall (Priory 1031, UK). and Cardboard Cathedral Organ Capers recorded on the Rodgers Infinity organ of the Transitional Anglican Cathedral, Christchurch. His most recent recording is Resounding Aftershocks, recorded in 2019 to mark the reopening of the Christchurch Town Hall organ after the earthquakes. These are frequently heard on Radio NZ Concert. In 2008 he was honoured by the City of Christchurch, receiving a Civic Award for services to music in the community and the Town Hall organ in particular. In 2022 he received a special commendation to mark his 25 years of service.
CHOIR MEMBERS
Hamilton Civic Choir
Sopranos
Amanda Wood
Angela Taverner
Bianca Verdonk*
Chris Gale
Corinne Law-Schuitemaker
Evelyn Falconer**
Helen Forlong
Holly Hampson-Tindale
Jenny Lewy**
Jo Arthur
Karen Johnson
Kate Lethbridge
Lis Wilson*
Maria Colvin
Meryl Nicol
Ocean Daniel
Stef Gibson-Muir
Stephanie Heeley*
Susan Woodhouse
Altos
Charlotte Falloon*
Diana Scruby
Elizabeth Ordelheide
Esther Termaat
Julie Poot*
Laura Duntsch
Lisette Ingram*
Liz Carpenter
Liz Phillips*
Mary Raleigh
Stephanie Grinter*
Tammy Wong*
Tara Jeory
Theresa Guzzo
Tiffany Sayer
Tracey Hockey*
Tenors
Christoph Maubach
Dan Ieremia
Hans van den Dolder
Iele Ieremia
John Heritage
Keith Spooner*
Basses
Brandon Fletcher-McLaughlin*
Chris Glassey
Conall O’Toole
Greg Morton
Harry Neil
Harry Tamblyn**
Humphrey Pullon
Isaac Albery
Jamie Spooner
Stephen Adams
Tony Antoniadis
Robert Abbel**
*Member not singing in the current concert
**RDC member joining for HCC repertoire
Rotorua District Choir
Sopranos
Alana Bennett
Adrienne Dobbs
Evelyn Falconer
Ferne Hannah
Ainslie Howie
Jo Meyer
Hannelie Parsloe
Darina Phelan
Karina Symington
Tessa Threadgill
Michelle Wynne
Altos
Bronwyn Barlass
Hayley Bennett
Jess Bradley
Dianne Estcourt
Joy Maskell
Claire Mason
Bronwen McCurran
Sandra Smaill
Tenors
Shamus Baker
Mairwen Ladd-Sanford
Mike Maher
David Stout
Jeannie Williams
Basses
Robert Abel
Chris Bellerby
Harry Tamblyn
HCC Tenor Scholarship
Iele Ieremia is a 22-year-old tenor, originally from Auckland and proudly of Samoan heritage, where his love for music and singing first grew in the church. Classically trained in piano and skilled in jazz saxophone, he developed a passion for choral singing at One Tree Hill College under the esteemed direction of Terence Maskell, where the menโs chorale earned silver awards at The Big Sing Finale, and he also served as Head Chorister. After school, his focus shifted towards studying for his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, with music taking a quieter role but continued to support several choirs as an instrumentalist. Now based in Waikato as the Hamilton Civic Choirโs tenor scholar, Iele is thrilled to reignite his passion for singing under the inspiring leadership of Elise Bradley and alongside the civic choirโs warm and welcoming community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hamilton Civic Choir
| Concert: | When: | Where: |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Concert 4: Sounds of Splendour | Sunday 7 December @ 5:00 PM | St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Hamilton |
Rotorua District Choir
| Concert: | When: | Where: |
|---|---|---|
| Rotorua District Choir with Tauranga Civic Choir | Saturday December 6th Sunday December 7th | December 6 (St. Peters In The City, Tauranga) December 7 St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Rotorua |
SPECIAL THANKS
Sincere thanks to our generous donors:
Margaret Fairhurst
Sue Collinge
Kath Des Forges
The Hamilton Civic Choir committee would like to especially thank:
- Choir members and friends involved in staging set up and take down, which involves coming early and staying late โ and beyond
- Choir members who have volunteered their skills to help
- Jo Arthur and Elizabeth Ordelheide for their help with the creation of our digital programme and programme flyers
- Maria Colvin for her help preparing the choir for her pieces and also the rest of the music in Elise’s absence
- All the members of the choir for their enthusiasm and hard work in preparing for the concert โ without their commitment and involvement, there would be no choir
- Rotorua District Choir for joining us for these concerts
The Rotorua District Choir committee would like to especially thank:
- Val Honeyfield and Shamus Baker (our rehearsal pianists)
- The Rotorua Trust (project funding)
Weโre grateful to our supporters for making this concert possible:
Our Front of House Team volunteers
Our Family & Friends ๐
SUPPORT US
Give A Little
Did you know that the Hamilton Civic Choir has a Give A Little page? Any donations of over $5 are eligible for a NZ charitable giving tax credit.
If youโd like to donate, please click the button, or you can visit our Give A Little page.
Hamilton Civic Choir Foundation
The enduring purpose of the Foundation is to assist the Hamilton Civic Choir to perform quality music to a high standard for inspiration and enjoyment of audiences and performers alike. The Foundation holds an endowment fund which generates income to provide Hamilton Civic Choir with support for special projects and back up for unforeseen circumstances.
Donations to the Foundation qualify for a tax rebate as it is registered as a charitable organization. If you would like to make a donation and/or bequest to the Hamilton Civic Choir Foundation please contact:
Hamilton Civic Choir Foundation
Contact: Kath Barnsley em: kbarnsley@xtra.co.nz
KEEP IN TOUCH
Join our email list
Want to make sure you don’t miss a concert? Then sign up for our email list on Mailchimp!
We promise that only a handful of emails are sent out each year, such as notices about our concerts or special choral opportunities.
We need your feedback!
How did we do? Do help us and fill out a quick and easy Audience Experience Survey โ your feedback is important to us.
- There are only 8 multiple choice questions
- The form doesn’t collect emails
- Your feedback helps us when we apply for grants which, in turn, provide funding for concerts โ that means you, too, can play a role in continuing to bring quality choral performances to the greater Waikato and beyond
Thank you for your input!
Hamilton Civic Choir 