Bach Musica NZ proudly presents two world premieres by award-winning NZ composers Bramah and Tolnay. Bramah collaborated with NZ poet Kelly, who wrote the Moari text for Kui Kui. Tolnay describes the beautiful sunrise and scenery in the Marlborough Sounds.

Bach Musica NZ's chorus and orchestra combine to perform Barber's famous Adagio for strings in its choral version Agnus Dei. Other highlights include the romantic Ave Maria by Vavilov (with soprano Gina Sanders) and Ravel's L'Aurore, sung in French.

Arguably the most famous Bach cantata for solo alto voice, Vergnuegte Ruh, BWV 170, opens the concert, sung by NZ's leading counter tenor, Stephen Diaz. The concert is conducted by  Rita Paczian.

 

"As ever, conductor Rita Paczian artfully and competently master-minded proceedings, driving her ensemble yet again to an overwhelming finale. They demonstrated another remarkable Bach Musica NZ characteristic: that of pronounced and assured artistic versatility. Defying the miserable winter outside, this ambitious concert ended to the “bravo” calls of a packed Town Hall audience."

Rainer Buhmann, NZ Opera News