Meeting with the Handel Consort and Quire in Auckland, New Zealand – March 2020
Judy and Dexter visiting Mission Bay
On a recent visit to New Zealand, Judy from Sound Escapes went to meet the Auckland-based Handel Consort and Quire in order to chat about their 2021 touring plans.
The group are passionate about Handel’s music and founder Robert Howell is always keen to showcase the composer’s lesser known works. HQ for the group is the lovely Pitt Street Methodist Church, a fusion of local volcanic stone and imported Welsh slate and one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Pitt Street Methodist Church
After an introduction from Robert, Judy gave a short presentation about their planned tour to the UK and Italy followed by a Q&A session.
There was plenty of enthusiasm for a 2021 tour, with performances planned in big names such as St Paul’s Cathedral, St Peters in the Vatican and St Mark’s in Venice, as well as a host of lesser known but equally exciting venues like the St George’s Church in Hannover Square London, where Handel worshipped.
Many members have travelled to Europe and the UK in the past and intended to combine the trip with a pre or post tour visit to relatives, but there were a few first timers who were relieved to hear that they would have a tour manager on board!
Then for the choir it was home for dinner, and for Judy and Dexter, time to further explore the wonderful scenery and wildlife of this friendly country.
Auckland