A night at the museum

ON SONG: The Mangawhai Singers impressed with their dedication and delivery.

 

BALLET BOYS: This guest appearance had the audience surprised and spellbound!

 

 

If you happened to be driving past the museum last Friday or Saturday night, you might have caught the soaring sounds of sopranos and soloists as the Mangawhai Singers took full advantage of the museum foyer’s superb acoustics.

A sell-out both nights, the Spring Festival of Song and Entertainment covered music through the decades, each song being introduced by MC Joanna Roberts.

The first half featured popular songs from the Seekers and the Beatles with a little bit of country, some Brahms and a tribute to Dean Martin.

While the singers, an enthusiastic and very talented group of locals and some imports from Maungaturoto and Matakohe, took a well earned break, the audience mixed and mingled with wine and nibbles before resuming their seats for the second half.

This segment included songs from musicals such as Les Miserables, Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and My Fair Lady, interspersed with comedy skits that elicited much amusement.

Moreen Mennie, soloist soprano, gave a particularly stunning rendition of Bring Him Home from Les Miserable.  Her pitch, range and soaring voice held the audience spellbound.

On a completely different level, so too did the guest appearances during I Could Have Danced All Night. What two pillars of the community look rather fetching in pink tights and tutus? 

The Mangawhai Singers, along with conductor Christine Bygrave, organist Reg Jacques, Des Chitty on guitar and guest pianist Helen Matheson, practised long and hard for many weeks, and the concerts were a testament to their dedication. The Finale – Lara’s Theme from Dr Zhivago – was haunting and beautifully delivered. 

Both evenings were a huge success, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and raised just over $2,500 which will go towards the completion of the museum. President of the Historical Society, Christine Bygrave, gave special acknowledgement of the $40,000 grant from Pub Charities which enabled the concert to go ahead by substantially paying for the lighting required for the foyer. 

More such concerts are being planned for the coming months so be warned. Don’t miss out on an evening of great musical entertainment – get your tickets as soon as they are advertised!