2008 News and Reviews
Concert Reviews
Monday 8 December 2008 - Ross Home, North East Valley, Dunedin
It was with enormous pleasure that the Choir was again able to perform to residents in celebration of Christmas. Our Registrar Neil Hall drew everyone's attention to the fact that this performance would mark our 80th year singing at Ross Home!! Not bad when you think that Ross Home itself marked its 90th Anniversary recently.
The choir presented a selection of songs from its recently successful Subscribers Christmas concert in the Dunedin Town Hall. Interspersed with these were solos from choir members Dave Turner (2nd Bass) and Russell Clark (1st Bass - Baritone). Both performed a selection of songs of their own choice and were well received by the residents and Choir.
The evening finished with a lovely supper and the chance to mix and chat with Residents and staff.
Monday 1 December 2008 - Concert Review: "Voices rich, brass vigorous"
A near capacity audience in the Dunedin Town Hall were treated to the rich tones of the Royal Male Dunedin Choir, directed by Richard Madden.
Local talent on show included the a capella group Shades of Grey, which gave a credible rendition of the changing fortunes and harmonies of the Bohemian Rhapsody, which Freddy Mecury has made his own, followed by Only Fools Fall in Love and the whimsical Short People.
Annabel Drummond, accompanied by Julia Horton, with a weighty list of credentials on young shoulders, impressed the audience with rapid passages, pizzicato, and harmonics in Presto from Bach's first sonata, Tchaikovsky's Melodie and Sarasate's Zapateado. Drummond is without doubt virtuosic but the performance lacked the pizzazz expected of such works.
Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass, directed by Norman Thorn, gave a warm rendition of Eric Ball's Rhapsody on Negro Spirituals and a stomping good time with the much loved Invercargill March.
The choir is in fine form. Harmonies were mostly held with confidence, energy and committment. Softer pieces like Still and Silent Night, though sweetly sung, dissipated somewhat. Highlights included the rhythmic What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor? and Vive L'Amour.
Sound Ye Trumpets and What Would I do Without my Music?, combining the forces of Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass, organ and piano, left a great impression enjoyed by all.
(Review in the Otago Daily Times, 4 December 2008, by Marian Poole.)
Membership
2008 welcomed three new members to the choir namely; Ian Gray (2nd Tenor), Peter Smart (1st Bass), and Les Turvey (2nd Bass). We trust that your stay will be a long and enjoyable one!
We are always on the look out for more singers, especially 1st Tenors. So if you think you can hit those high notes, enjoy singing and male camaraderie then we would love to hear from YOU! The Choir will be taking a break from mid-December with weekly rehearsals resuming on Monday 2nd February 2009. So make sure you add our website to your "Favorites" and come join us in 2009.
Alternatively you can contact us if you want more information.
Service Recognition
We congratulate the following members on receiving service awards during 2008:
| 45 years | Colin Mearns |
| 35 years | Phil Ashton Jack Bosworth Owen Ockwell |
| 25 years and Life Membership | Graeme Welsh |
| 15 years | Bob Neilson David Wood |
| 10 years | Frances Brodie Richard Madden Gerald Wilson |
Choir Activities
In addition to our two successful subscriber concerts in 2008, we were also delighted to welcome back the world-class Chor-Farmer Male Choir from Tokyo, Japan, in September. For many of our choir members it was like reuniting with long lost friends. The visit lasted three days during which time the Chor-Farmer Choir attended a Mayoral reception, took the opportunity to sample a slice of Dunedin culture, and the visit culminated in a magnificent concert in First Church. We do hope they come back again soon!
Obituaries
Les Carrick, QSM
It was with great sadness the Choir paid their final respects to Les in First Church on 11 July 2008, following an extended period of sick leave. A most popular member of the 1st Bass section for over 18 years, our weekly raffle convenor for several years, his cheery demeanor will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences are extended to his wife Nancye and family.
Harold McMaster
It is also with much sadness the choir recorded the death of Harold on 27 October 2008. A faithful and loyal member of the 2nd Tenor section for 11 years Harold had recently been on sick leave. Our thoughts are with his wife Margaret and family.
Noel D. Fox
The Choir paid a final tribute to a very popular member on 24 December 2008 by rendering Just a Closer Walk and GwaHoddiad at a thanksgiving service for Noel Fox.
Noel joined the Choir in October 1977 and for the first two years sang in the 2nd Tenor section before transferring to the 1st Bass section in 1980.
He attained his 20 years service bar in 1997 before ill-health forced him to retire in early 1998. In recognition to his contribution to the Choir Noel was elected an Honorary Member in 1999. He served on the committee from 1988 to 1997, during which time he was Deputy Chairman in 1992-95 and Chairman in 1996 during our 110th Anniversary year. In addition he served as our Honorary Auditor from 1978-1999.
Noel was also a very valuable member of the Choir's Close Harmony Chorus between 1986-1997.
He will be sorely missed and our sincere condolences are extended to his wife Lynne and family.
Norman Sheat
The Choir was very sad to pay their final respects to Norman at St James Presbyterian Church on 26th May 2009. He was a very loyal and respected member of the 2nd Bass section for 28 years and attained his Life Membership in 2006. Our deepest condolences are extended to his wife Vetia and Family.