Of all the treasures of Western choral music, the two passions by J.S. Bach rank among the highest. The St John Passion is an unforgettable experience. There are feisty choruses that speak for the madding crowd, sublime chorales that reflect on the harrowing events, and lyrical statements of faith that emanate from the rich vocal contributions of six soloists.
For those who were brought up in a Christian tradition, this work serves to confirm and enhance their faith. For others, the intense spirituality of the music is present everywhere. And for everyone, the St John Passion is, in a single phrase, Bach’s and Baroque music at its best.
Marlena Devoe Soprano
Sarah Court Mezzo-soprano
Henry Choo Tenor
Christopher Bowen Tenor, Evangelist
David Greco Baritone Petrus & Pilatus
Barry Mora Bass, Jesus
Auckland Choral
Pipers Sinfonia
Uwe Grodd Conductor
Saturday 1 April 7.30pm
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Colleen Elliott joined Auckland Choral in 1999. She comes from a musical background starting with piano at aged 7 which also included being a foundation member of the Whangarei Childrens Choir formed by her Mother in the mid 1950’s. Colleen passed LTCL performers in piano but never completed it as the desire to sing became more the focus and formal vocal training commenced.
Jim Allardyce here from Whangarei. Commuting to Auckland for work, down on a Tuesday and back on a Friday, has opened up a new side to my social calendar. Rehearsals at the choir have become my weekly highlight forming a natural part of my week. Joining only this year, I remember going for my first visit to "check it all out" - I sat at the back amazed at the choir sight-reading Mendelssohn in German (as it was their first reading and performance of the piece). Very soon I was in the thick of it - rolling my r's in Mendelssohn's tongue with the other singers in my bass one section. My inaugural concert in the Auckland Town Hall was unforgettable as the choir was stupendous.
Kimberley joined the choir as a Soprano in January 2015 for Handel's Israel in Egypt. It was a daunting, split choir piece with a short rehearsal period but this didn't scare her away! Kimberley has been singing since before she could talk, her first words were sung, being Old MacDonald's E-I-E-I-O. Kimberley joined the Auckland Girls Choir as a foundation member in 1998 under Leonie Lawson and found she enjoyed Choral Music but left in 2000 as a 13 year old and found enjoyment throughout her high-school years in musical stage performances and often performed singing solos at school assemblies and talent contests. 
