Sunday 27 March

Tokowhā

“We were treated to a splendidly open-hearted and ringing-voiced portrayal of the character by LJ Crichton, his tones warm, open and ardent …” – Peter Mechen (Middle C)

Programme

Tokowha will be presenting two separate programmes:

 

12.30 Concert:
Operatic treasures by Puccini (including the famous Humming Chorus from Madame Butterfly) will be joined by a selection of beautiful Maori and Pasifica songs arranged by the boys and reflecting their heritage. Plus show songs from Hammerstein/Kern and Lerner/Loewe musicals.

  

3.30 Concert:
This concert features some of opera’s most cherished melodies by Mozart, Leoncavallo, Tosti and Tchaikovsky (Gremin’s Aria) and includes Bizet’s much-loved Pearl Fishers Duet. Some exquisite lieder by Schubert and Hahn will be followed by a medley of beautiful Pasifica songs.

Tomairangi Henare (baritone), Matt Barris (baritone/tenor),Morgan-Andrew King (bass), “LJ” (Lila Junior) Crichton (tenor). Not photographed – Alex Jefferies (piano)

Be prepared to be delighted and entertained as these four talented young men share with us their love of singing. They have all studied Classical Voice at the New Zealand School of Music and first combined their talents as an ensemble in Puccini’s La Boheme. Their accompanist will be Alex Jefferies who has worked with them at the NZSM.

Born in Samoa, LJ Crichton has won multiple awards including the Deane Endowment Trust Jonathan Lemalu Scholarship and the Prima Volta Graduates Residency. He has performed in operatic roles and as soloist with several choirs.

Matthew Barris discovered his love for singing at Tawa College and has had vast experience and success with barbershop choirs. He is co-director of FilCoro – a Filipino Community Choir – and looks forward to a teaching career.

Tomairangi Henare’s background in kapa haka and musical theatre led to classical singing studies and several operatic roles. He is also studying composition at the NZSM.

Morgan-Andrew King is taking a double degree in music and biomedical science. From early participation in kapa haka, he toured to Asia with the NZ Secondary Schools Choir and has taken solo roles with choirs and in operas. He recently received a 2021 Waikanae Music Society Charitable Trust Scholarship.