Social seniors group enchanted by young musical talent

WORDS / PHOTOS / JULIA WADE

19 Dec, 2022

Local seniors were treated to a Christmas concert in recent days, performed by a handful of Mangawhai’s musically-gifted youth in a showcase aptly described in two words as ‘absolutely enchanting’.

Defined as such by co-organiser Jo Roberts, the Fagan Place Christmas concert on December 9 at the Mangawhai Community Hall featured the talent of five young local musicians with a variety of instruments including the marimba, harp, ukulele, violin, guitar and cajon drums, as well as stunning pitch-perfect vocals.

Mosese (14) and Saoirse Hurley-Brown (13), Olive Ruddenklau (14) and sister Juno (12), and Lewis Corkin (10), entertained around 20 members of the newly-named Mangawhai Social Seniors group who regularly meet every Friday morning for some socialising fun and activities.

Recitals included group, duets and solo performances with famous melodies such as ‘Pachelbel’s Canon’, ‘Memories’, ‘King of the Fairies’, ‘Jane’s Air’ as well as ‘Der Blumenstraus’, sung especially by Saoirse in pure German for a woman in the audience.

All five children can play several musical instruments including some not used at the concert, says music teacher Gabrielle Crowe.

“It’s quite interesting to see, that when you become more confident in an instrument you transfer those skills over to another, and you can develop a sense of musicianship.”

The concert was the third time the group performed for the seniors.

“The kids adore playing music and performing for others, it brings so much pleasure to others,” says mum Mary Hurley-Brown. “I remember the first time Saoirse sang the special song in German for the German lady, the woman was so touched she cried. It’s so rewarding and a nice thing to do for others, especially at Christmas time.