Renaissance to the romantic

The Warkworth-based Kowhai Singers, under the baton of newly-appointed musical director Ken Leech, will showcase a performance of Vivaldi’s much-loved and joyful Gloria at the Warkworth Town Hall on Sunday May 21, at 4 pm. The programme will also include wellknown works by Byrd, Tallis, Bach, Mendelsohn, Schubert and Faure.

Leech joined the choir at the start of this year, replacing previous director Amy Cottingham, who returned to the United States during covid, and Susan Hayday, who took over in the interim last year. He has extensive experience over many years with choral ensembles, as a singer, conductor and composer of choral music, and he recently moved north from central Auckland to Waitoki.

Improv comedy returns

Renown organist John Wells will be the accompanist for the Vivaldi while the choir is delighted to have the support of accomplished soprano Gina Sanders and alto Jessica Wells. The guest artists will also perform solos.

A choir spokesperson says this carefully chosen mix of renaissance, baroque and romantic music, with a theme of spiritual praise and celebration, will appeal to all those familiar with the choral repertoire, as well as people who just enjoy beautiful music.

The concert is part of Warkworth’s 170th Anniversary Programme for 2023. Tickets are $25 and are available from Briar Rose Florists in Warkworth, choir members, or at the door (cash only).

Info: m_rjones@xtra.co.nz

The Warkworth Squash Club will hold another Improv Comedy Night at the club in Shoesmith Street on Saturday June 17. The evening will feature The Improv Bandits, who are former World Improv Champions and have been performing for 22 years. Organisers say tickets are limited to 120 so buy early to avoid disappointment. The cost is $25 per person. Contact Kaye Jackson on 021 135 7574 or squashykaye@icloud.com The show will start at 7.30pm.

AND CLASSICAL WORKS BY BACH, BYRD, FAURE, MENDELSSOHN, MOZART, PURCELL, SCHUBERT, TALLIS featuring John Wells, Organist with Soloists

Gina Sanders & Jessica Wells

Warkworth Town Hall

SUNDAY, 21ST MAY AT 4PM

TICKETS $25.00

BRIAR ROSE FLORISTS, CHOIR MEMBERS, OR AT THE DOOR

THE SMOKO ROOM. OPEN THURSDAY TO MONDAY

We are now open 5 days a week - Thursday to Monday from 12pm until late (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays).

Book for Mother’s Day!

All bookings play our lucky dip with dozens of roses and merch to be won. Email smokoroom@sawmillbrewery.co.nz to book.

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Sawmill beer $8 / Te Kano wine $8

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Friday 19 May from 4.30pm - Lou Perkins