This concert was originally scheduled for July, but Covid interfered with everyone’s plans, and it will now take place on 23 October.
We are all now only too familiar with the number of “100 year events”, wreaking damage and destruction round our country. However, concertgoers will experience a vastly different event 100 years in the making: 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the triumphant return to New Zealand of Blenheim-born soprano Rosina Buckman, with her entourage of pianist and cellist.
The 1922 concert tour will be re-imagined by the Hammers & Horsehair Duo, pianist Douglas Mews and cellist Robert Ibell, together with soprano Rowena Simpson. The programme will include period classics from the 1922 tour, such as Waiata Poi by Alfred Hill, Arne’s charming The Lass with the Delicate Air“, and Londonderry Air, plus some of the group’s own favourites: Brahms, Schubert, Offenbach and Dvorak.
“Touring round New Zealand 100 years ago was mostly done by train, which would have included the steep, windy Rimutaka Incline.” explains Rowena. “The concert party travelled through the Wairarapa both by train and car because the local roads were well-metalled.
The Wairarapa Automobile Association provided signposts and had also recently fenced the Rimutaka Road to reduce the number of accidents, but mechanical failure was common in those days.We’ll be driving to Greytown, and will be looking forward to the sealed roads and passing bays of today!”
Hammers & Horsehair + Rowena Simpson, soprano – Homecoming Concert: 4pm Sunday 23 October at 27 Wood Street, Greytown, Admission $30, children $10. Bookings recommended – contact Ed & Juliet Cooke on 06 304 9497 or efjacooke@gmail.com.
