Takiri Ensemble

The popular Tãkiri Ensemble returns to entertain the Waikanae Music Society on Sunday 2 August. On previous visits to Waikanae they have delighted their audience with their special mix of songs and lieder including solos, duos and group pieces. The Ensemble includes some of New Zealand’s best-known singers and is normally led by renowned soprano Anna Leese. However, Anna is at home in Dunedin with a brand-new baby boy, so for this concert she will be replaced by highly regarded soprano Emma Pearson who has vast international operatic experience, as has mezzo-soprano Maaike Beekman. A rising star in the opera world is tenor Declan Cudd who was honoured as 2017 Freemasons New Zealand Opera Artist. Baritone Robert Tucker is always in demand as an opera singer, recitalist, teacher and choral conductor. Joining these four talented vocalists is one of New Zealand’s finest accompanists, Kirsten Robertson. Kirsten holds the posts of Principal Keyboard with the NZSO and staff accompanist at the NZ School of Music.

The programme will mark Beethoven’s 250th birthday year with a bracket of his songs, before moving on to a selection from Mahler’s Des Knaben Wunderhorn. Music by Rossini, Poulenc and Englishman Roger Quilter follow before the concert turns to music from America with a bracket of well-known entertaining songs by Aaron Copland. To close on a serene note will be some of the glorious sounds of award-winning choral composer Morton Lauridsen.

Door sales will be available or tickets can be bought from Waikanae New World, Moby Dickens Books in Paraparaumu Beach or through the website.

Enquiries are welcome on 04 293 4025 or 04 905 6070.