Frances Hodgkins the musical ...

Well for my money it was a jolly good concert.

I had seen a 'creature' wandering around the auditorium during the dress rehearsal, she looked as though she was on day release from the local funny farm. Being VERY slow on the uptake it did not occur to me that the large floral print dress, red high heel shoes, bright blue tights and fruit-laden hat were part of the performance: of course, it was Rima Te Wiata, as Frances Hodgkins. All was made clear during the second-half as she read a script based on Frances's letters ostensibly to her mother, which was interspersed with orchestral pieces from the pen of Anthony Ritchie.

Our part in the first part of the first half went off without a hitch, we altos came in on the 'Peace ho' bit and saw Marc smiling when he brought in Deborah on the 'Come ho' bit - there'd been some amusement from him during rehearsals - something to do with his Americanised interpretation of Shakespeare. Never mind, I guess you had to be there.

We enjoyed ourselves, and according to my supprtive chums in the audience they did too.

I am now a complete fan of Ralph Vaughan Williams after two concerts in a row featuring his work.

Southern Stars

Hot on the heels of the Proms concert, with only three weeks to rehearse, we are ready for the Southern Stars concert! I think the little bit of pressure was a good thing - everyone must have done their homework because you know what? We've been sounding really good during the last two rehearsals. Yes, there was some polishing to do, but on the whole you could see David was happy. Marc Taddei was quite pleased too when he heard us on Tuesday this week.

So come along one and all and get your friends to come too - this concert, presented by the Southern Sinfonia, is going to be a smash hit!

Southern Stars - Celebrating the Life, Times and Works of Frances Hodgkins
Saturday 21 March 2009 8:00pm, Dunedin Town Hall
(As part of the Dunedin Heritage Festival)

Featuring Rima Te Wiata and Deborah Wai Kapohe, with Marc Taddei, Conductor, and City of Dunedin Choir

* Anthony Ritchie: A Portrait of Frances Hodgkins (World Premiere, commissioned by Southern Sinfonia)

* A presentation of Frances Hodgkins's life by Rima Te Wiata (script by Catherine Chidgey), and arias and choruses from countries where Frances Hodgkins lived and performed, by Deborah Wai Kapohe and the City of Dunedin Choir.