Upcoming community events

Kāpiti Chorale presents a programme centred on two major sacred choral works: Bach’s Magnificat and Michael Haydn’s Requiem, performed with chamber orchestra under the direction of Eric Sidoti. Bach’s Magnificat is one of the composer’s most vibrant sacred works. Written for the Lutheran Vespers service, it combines joyful choruses, expressive solo movements, and rich orchestral colour. Its energy and clarity make it a natural centrepiece for the first concert of the year. The second half features Michael Haydn’s Requiem in C minor, a work admired for its depth, dramatic writing, and emotional sincerity. Often considered an important precursor to Mozart’s Requiem, it reflects the musical world Mozart grew up in and is thought to have influenced his later setting of the Mass for the Dead. Programming this work early in the year provides a meaningful link to Kāpiti Chorale’s performance of Mozart’s Requiem later in the season. The programme also includes selections from Haydn’s Nelson Mass and Bach’s St John Passion, offering further contrast and context within this exploration of sacred choral music. Soloists Barbara Patterson – soprano Charlotte Secker – second soprano Ruth Armishaw – alto Elias Nguyen – tenor (Vocal Award winner) Joshua Jamieson – bass/baritone Join Kāpiti Chorale for an afternoon of powerful choral writing, lyrical solo singing, and orchestral colour in the warm acoustic of St Paul’s Church.