Noël, Noël! Join us for another enchanting evening filled with the warmth of festive cheer at St. Luke’s Church. Immerse yourself in the radiant glow of real candlelight as NZ Barok presents a joyful baroque Christmas concert with a French twist! Relax in the warmth of Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, be serenaded by the beautiful voice of soprano Greta Claringbould performing highlights from Handel’s Messiah, enjoy a stunning selection of French baroque Christmas favourites, and indulge in a delectable supper featuring Christmas treats, mulled wine, and scrumptious mince tarts. This night is not only a celebration of music but also an opportunity for you to support NZ Barok by purchasing a ticket for this fundraising event – an experience not to be missed!
Saturday 28 June 7.30pm, St. Luke’s Church, 130 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
Tickets on sale through iTICKET: Earlybird Adult $75, Standard Adult $80, Door Sales Adult $85, Student $30
Programme:
Arcangelo Corelli Concerto Grosso Op 6 nr. 8 (The Christmas Concerto)
George Frideric Handel Highlights from Messiah HWV 56
Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion
He shall feed his flock
I know that my redeemer liveth
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Michel Corrette Symphonie des Noëls nr.2 in D major
Carols
Quand Dieu naquit à Noël
Il est né le divin enfant
The First Noel
NZ Barok, a collective of baroque specialists from across New Zealand, will transport you to the 18th century with their authentic instruments and period playing styles. Renowned for their committed, passionate, and cohesive playing, NZ Barok has received acclaim for their performances as a “sound-fest par excellence”. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and merriment.
NZ Barok thanks Dame Jenny Gibbs and Friends of NZ Barok for their support.
Feedback from 2024 Midwinter Christmas audience:
“Such an inspiring group of humans!!”
“Superb……”
“It was a wonderful concert. Thank you so much.”
“Top class performance from orchestra and soloists.”
Introducing Greta Claringbould, soprano soloist for NZ Barok's Midwinter Christmas Concert by Candlight, Saturday 28 June, 7.30pm, St Luke’s Church, Remuera, Auckland.
Greta Claringbould (nee Mark) is a Baroque soprano who performs with purity, warmth and precision. Born in New Zealand but now based near Canberra, Australia, she has carved a niche into the world of Baroque music, beguiling audiences with her natural execution of florid coloratura and expressive vocal timbre.
Growing up on a sheep and cattle farm near Cambridge, Greta’s cherished memories of her first musical experiences, shared nigh on three decades ago, are with Helen and Catherine Polglase at the Waikato Secondary School's Orchestra. Despite an initial focus on playing strings, Catherine vividly remembers Greta "always singing"!
A late bloomer in voice, before evolving into a celebrated soprano, Greta first gained a BMUS (Hons) in performance Viola and was a professional orchestral violist, also leading the Violas in the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra. At the same time she sang with the Wellington Cathedral Choir and later took on the noble task of shaping young voices as Director of Canberra Children's Choir. However eventually Greta's lifelong enduring love of singing saw her retrain as a soprano and pursue a career in Baroque voice. Greta attributes her string background as advantageous to mastering phrasing, coloratura and a sense of holistic, cohesive ensemble as a vocalist.
Passion and aptitude for Baroque music has guided Greta to the position of principal Soprano Soloist with Canberra Bach Ensemble and a founding member of Ad hoc Baroque, a trio dedicated to performing esoteric Baroque chamber works. In 2017 the trio gave the antipodean premiere of Brunetti's 1764 Stabat Mater reviving a once forgotten masterpiece.
Greta’s performances have also taken her to prestigious local and international festivals including Europe where she has sung works by Bach, Handel and Pergolesi et al. Whether she’s soaring through the pages of Bach’s Magnificat or rendering Handel’s Messiah to life, she does so with a unique pure tone.
When not enchanting audiences, Greta shares her expertise as a private vocal coach, helping aspiring singers develop their own voice and style. With a career that blends virtuosity, passion, and a deep love for Baroque music, Greta Claringbould continues to be a shining and rising vocal artist in the baroque music world.
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