Concerts

The 2025 Concert Season
Photo: Ian Thomson December 2023
Darkness and Light
Saturday 12 April, 7:30 pm
Knox Church

We present an unforgettable evening of choral brilliance weaving together timeless and contemporary works. This music offers a transcendent journey through the dualities of the human experience, to illuminate your soul and remind you of the enduring power of music that guides us through life’s contrasts—from shadow to brilliance, from doubt to hope.

Thomas Tallis: O Nata Lux
James MacMillan: O Radiant Dawn
Louis Vierne: Clair de Lune (organ solo)
Morten Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna
Chris Artley: Matariki
Ola Gjeilo: Dark Night of the Soul
Kerensa Briggs: Light in Darkness (organ solo)
Ola Gjeilo: Luminous Night of the Soul

The conductor is the Choir’s musical director, David Burchell, and the singers will be accompanied by Sandra Crawshaw on piano, a string quartet and the brilliant young musician, Sea-am Thompson, on the organ. The string quartet consists of acclaimed DSO players: Tessa Petersen (first violin), Ngaru Martin (second violin), Katrina Sharples (viola) and Heleen du Plessis (cello).


Zimbe!
Saturday 12 July, 7:00 pm
Venue tbc

Zimbe! Come, Sing the Songs of Africa! is a sequence of traditional songs from all over Africa. This exhilarating contemporary choral work, composed by Alexander L’Estrange, brings together soulful melodies, energetic rhythms and infectious harmonies that showcase the rich musical traditions of Africa. Perfect for all ages, this performance will feature a jazz quintet and a children’s choir.


Poulenc's Gloria
Saturday 13 September, 7:30 pm
Dunedin Town Hall
Presented by Dunedin Symphony Orchestra

City Choir will join the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and soprano Anna Leese on stage in this performance conducted by James Judd. Poulenc’s Gloria, written in 1959 and inspired by the death of a friend, is a captivating mixture of solemnity and mischievous exuberance.
 

Handel's Messiah 
Saturday 29 November, 7:30 pm
Dunedin Town Hall

City Choir and soloists, accompanied by the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, once again present the popular Messiah. The ‘Hallelujah’ chorus, the work’s most famous moment, has become a musical icon of joy and praise. Yet, throughout Messiah, Handel’s genius lies in his ability to pair deeply expressive text with music that conveys both the grandeur and intimacy of faith.