Christchurch memorials - Sat 30th and Sunday 31st - Rutter’s “Requiem”
As so many of us were, I was shaken and distressed by the terrible tragedy in Christchurch on the 15th March. Such undeserved violence should never happen to anybody let alone to those who are trying to rebuild constructive and peaceful lives for themselves and their families, away from war and persecution. What could we do? Chalium Poppy, Artistic and Musical Director of Scholars Baroque Aotearoa asked himself this question and decided that music could be our musicians’ offering, a way to honour those who have died, provide a connection in our grief and a comforting balm to us all. And so it proved.
Singers from several of Tauranga’s choirs got together and we were privileged to have Michael Stoddart accompanying us on the organ. It was very moving to be a part of the memorial performances of Rutter’s Requiem at St Peter’s Anglican Church Mt Maunganui.
Through the generosity of the many attending, $2,670.60 was raised for “Our People, Our City” Christchurch Foundation.
Written by Tracy Dixon
Scholars Baroque Aotearoa chorister
