| The Choir | President’s Message Five years have passed since Brian Law took up the musical directorship of Christchurch City Choir at the end of its first year of existence. For many people the musical calendar would not be complete now without annual Nights at the Opera, the Proms and Messiah, and old favourites like Elijah and Creation have been given fresh, sparkling treatment. Newer ground has been broken with innovative programmes featuring seldom-heard works like Britten’s St Nicholas and Hodie by Vaughan Williams. Some of the greatest peaks in large choir repertoire are now being scaled — last year Bach’s Mass in B Minor, and this year, Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius. The cost of artistic success is huge. Many factors stand in the way of achieving full houses through reasonable ticket prices: orchestral costs, soloists’ fees, venue requirements — to mention only a few. The continuation of existing business and private sponsorships and the establishment of new ones are vital components in the choir’s development within an increasingly volatile and competitive arts environment. No less important is the contribution of everyone who supports the choir by word-of-mouth advertising, by becoming a subscriber, and by attending each and every concert of this ambitious season. Nan Anderson |
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