The Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus, Concert at Government House 2016
Credit: Simon Woolf
Around 180 people, including Her Worship the Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown and Councillor Simon Woolf, attended a concert by the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus at Wellington’s Government House on Sunday 26 June.
The concert was hosted by Their Excellencies The Governor-General, Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine Mateparae and was held in support of the Wellington Committee of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation and Friends of New Zealand Opera.
After introductory remarks by the Governor General, Dame Malvina Major Foundation Chairman George Troup, and Friends of the Opera President Sam Williamson, the audience enjoyed a range of choruses from classic operas including Carmen, La Traviata and many more. Of particular note was the way the choreographed movement of the chorus underlined the dramatic context of the items performed. The Chorus was conducted by Chorus Master, Michael Vinten and accompanied on piano by Catherine Norton, a former Dame Malvina Major Foundation Emerging Artist with New Zealand Opera who has recently returned from post-graduate studies at Guildhall School of Music.
At the end of the concert, Dame Malvina Major spoke, sharing some of her experiences in opera. The audience was then invited to partake in refreshments in the beautiful surroundings.
The Wellington committee extends sincere thanks to our gracious hosts Their Excellencies and to Dame Malvina Major, all participants, and the attendees, who contributed to such a successful event.
