CathNews New Zealand

World renowned bass Jonathan Lemalu will sing in Handel’s Messiah when it is performed at St Mary’s Basilica, Invercargill, New Zealand on Sunday, December 15 to mark the Church’s 150th anniversary.

The performance will also feature international soloists, Rebecca Ryan (soprano), Sandra Martinovic (mezzo soprano) and Clive Thompson (tenor), with the combined choirs of St Mary’s Basilica and Cantores of Dunedin, singers from Verdon College and children from local schools, accompanied by a chamber orchestra led by Sydney Manowitz.

The conductors are Dr Raymond White and Gregory Peyroux. White trained Lemalu in Dunedin

The Church’s actual 150th anniversary does not occur until next year, but because of Lemalu’s heavy international schedule this is the only time that he is available.

St Mary’s was the first Catholic Church to be built in Invercargill. It was initially a small wooden church. The present church was opened in 1905
Source

• Southland Times
• Invercargill City Council

 

 

Additional reading

• City Choir Dunedin presents Handel's Messiah

News category: News Shorts.