Choral works come to the fore, with the Rejoice! Choir, comprised of dozens of local vocalists, joined by emerging and established choral artists in a celebration of choral music – and of Easter. Music by local composer Leonie Holmes opens the programme with the Young Artists choir joined by clarinettist Marlon Sullivan and pianist Stephen de Pledge.

Taking a step back chronologically, our string musicians perform Grieg’s ever-popular and gently melodic neo-baroque Holberg suite with Euan Safey and Reuben Brown share conducting honours here, while another emerging conductor, Esther oh, takes the baton as Austin Hayes performs three songs in te reo, composed by Erima Maewa Kaihau. These three songs were published in 1918 and were extremely popular, performed and recorded by many artists. They were among the first waiata to cross from the marae to the concert platform and we rejoice that we can perform them in our final concert.

The full force of community and experienced choral forces is on show as the concert (and Festival) draws to a close. Revel in the irresistible beat and drama right from the start of Carl Orff’s hugely popular (and popularised by its use in many movies) O Fortuna. Perhaps Orff learned from Handel, whose Hallelujah chorus from the Easter section of his Messiah similarly showcases the power of using using the full gamut of choral forces.

No choral concert is complete without Beethoven’s Ode to Joy which stands today, nearly two and a half centuries after it was composed, as a powerful protest anthem for some, but primarily as a celebration of music – especially choral music.