On Sunday 10 October the Waikanae Music Society will host a concert by the V8 Vocal Ensemble.
The term ‘V8’ refers to music written for eight voices, and these eight Auckland-based singers have all been members of Voices New Zealand Choir and of the NZ National Youth Choir. Members of the group are Judy Dale, Albert Mataafa, Virginia Le Cren, Stephen Rowe, Carolyn Medland, Brendon Shanks, Celia Aspey-Gordon and Rowan Johnston. Renowned for their immaculate and highly entertaining singing, V8 will present a wide-ranging programme of unaccompanied song ranging from 17th Century masters like Monteverdi and Carissimi, through folk songs from around the world, to brilliant and often witty arrangements of some of the 20th Century’s best-known standards. Their style has been likened to the famous vocal groups The King’s Singers and the Swingle Singers in fact, two of their items for Sunday’s concert are Swingle Singers arrangements.
Although V8 performs with other ensembles, the group mostly sings a cappella eight-part harmony. Since the ensemble was formed in 1998, they have performed mostly around the upper North Island, with only occasional visits into the Wellington region. They also appear regularly on TVNZ’s Sunday morning Praise Be programme. In 2008, V8’s 10th anniversary was celebrated with a special anniversary concert in the Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber. Two CDs have been released: ‘Gallery’ in 2007 and ‘Christmas’ in 2009.
“All the members of V8 are experienced singers and they delivered an excellent example of sensitive ensemble singing, wonderful diction and superb musicianship. Very stylish, totally entertaining and polished. (Classic Sing Grand Prix 2003)
” spine-tingling exquisite well-controlled pianissimo singing an afternoon of sheer choral brilliance.” (Bay of Plenty Times 2004)
Tickets at the door, or from Waikanae New World, Moby Dickens Books (Pm Beach) and Bookstacks (Raumati).
Public $25, Members $15, Students under 25 $5
Enquiries to 04 905 6070 or visit www.waikanaemusic.org
