New Zealand composer David Hamilton will have his new work Homecoming – Te Hokinga Mai premiered by Auckland Choral this weekend.
Composer David Hamilton Photo: Supplied
The piece is based on the Vincent O’Sullivan text of the same name which was originally written for the consecration of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Wellington. Hamilton first heard the text read at an ANZAC ceremony.
“it’s a really lovely poem; it has a nostalgic feel,” Hamilton says. “It’s like New Zealand calling home those who have died or served. It references typical New Zealand Places – the farm, nature.”
It’s written for mixed-voice choir, chamber orchestra and features an alto solo with Kate Webber filling the role. For this performance Hamilton has written an orchestral ensemble version. It was first written just for piano and had its first premiere on Waiheke Island last year.
Conducted by Uwe Grodd, soprano Anna Leese, tenor Jared Holt and baritone James Harrison lend their voices to the rest of the programme that also features Haydn’s Nelson Mass and Sinfonia a Quattro in A by Johann Stamitz.
Grodd says Hamilton's new work is a beautiful piece. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback from members of the choir… on the beauty of the score. The words are painted in music.”
