Canterbury
News
Events PAST, CURRENT & FUTURE
St John Passion
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Christchurch, Choir, Junior Choir and Orchestra present the 2009 performance of Bach's St John Passion under the direction of RSCM NZ member, Don Whelan.
Sing Solstice
Canterbury's Annual Sing Solstice was held in Knox Church, Christchurch on Sunday afternoon 21 June (09). Some 50 singers formed a choir to sing favourite winter carols.
Celebration of composers, including Mendelssohn, Haydn, Handel, Purcell, and Corelli, whose year of birth or death anniversaries ended with a 9, was effected by choosing some of their representative works.
Leading Branch conductors and organists took turns to direct and accompany whilst both Graham Hollobon and Paul Ellis provided organ solos.
An afterglow with socialising and Christmas refreshments brought to a close one the highlights of Canterbury's calendar.
Organ recital
Top UK Organist, Christopher Herrick, joined the 2009 Christchurch Arts Festival extravaganza Sunday 2 August by giving a recital on the city's Town Hall organ.
Special General Meeting - 21 August 2009
Changes to NZ legislation affecting charitable organisations meant to qualify (including members enjoying relevant tax rebates), the current Canterbury Branch constitution required some technical amendments. A quorum of 75% of members was necessary (by way of attendance and proxies) and it was pleasing that this was achieved. The meeting passed the motion approving the revised constitution and directing that it be forwarded to RSCM authorities for ratification [At Saturday's Council Teleconference, 22 August, Council approved the Constitution and the RSCM International delegate for such matters, being also present at the Council meeting, it was ratified]. With this in hand, it is now to be forwarded by the Branch Treasurer to the Charities Commission with appropriate documentation with a view to the Commission granting Charitable status.
Combined Choirs Evensong
St Mary's Merivale is the venue on Sunday 23 August 09 for the Choir of S Michael and All Angels and St Mary's own choir to combine for Evensong. All RSCM members welcomed to augment the choirs for the Service or at least join the congregation. The Service commences at 5.30 pm. (Rehearsal for choristers 3.30pm - order of dress, black robes and white surplices.)
Annual Festive Evensong
Christchurch Anglican Cathedral has been chosen for the Branch's 2009 annual festive Evensong on Sunday 20 September. Members will receive more details nearer the date.
Contact Information
Ron James, Chairman
canterburychair@rscmnz.org.nz
03 352 4888
Ron James, Canterbury Branch Chairman.
Canterbury Branch RSCM NZ NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2009
News
• Special Meeting
The new Constitution was approved at our special meeting held on the 21st August, and it has subsequently been ratified by the National Council. We are now in a position to reapply for registration as a Charitable Organisation. Thank you to all who sent back their proxies or attended this special meeting.
• Evensong at St Mary’s Merivale (23 September 2009).
This was a joyous occasion with good music and a large congregation.
More Forthcoming Events
• RSCM National Conference
The RSCM National Council is meeting in Wellington 8-10 October. The venue is St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Willis Street. Members who may be in Wellington that weekend are invited to attend the evening session on the Friday night, which will begin about 7.30pm. It will take the form of a discussion on the theme of the Conference “ Retention, Recruitment, Outreach.”
• Annual Festival Evensong
Christchurch Anglican Cathedral Sunday 20 September. Practice will commence at 3.30pm for a service at 5.30pm. Copies of the Music are available form Paul Ellis upon request. Please email paulv.ellis@clear.net.nz or telephone 337 3370. If you are unable to sing it would be very nice if you could join us in the Congregation.
A donation on the night towards the cost of printing the music would be appreciated.
• Advent Service at St. Mary’s Church Manchester Street
The beginning of Advent will be celebrated at St Mary’s Manchester Street on Saturday 28th November at 6.30pm. and we are again privileged to be invited to assist in the musical leadership on the night. A practice will begin beforehand at 4.15pm. and you are encouraged to join us. A donation on the night towards the cost of printing the music would be appreciated.
• RSCM Summer School Adelaide 2010
This is a combined Australia NZ event and is to be held from January 3rd to 10th. Registration forms are available upon request from Philip Richards, Ph 332 0607 or email philiprichards@xtra.co.nz
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