Author: telboy2

The Messiah

As ever better late than never. Last weekend we made our usual trip to see in the Messiah performed and here are my thoughts.

As Joseph would say we have our traditions, and going each year is one of ours. Has become relatively easy in recent years as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has made The Messiah part of its regular season. It is difficult to be precise aboutWhich yearsThe betterThis years performance change be a good one.

All four soloists were strong and were able to sustain their voices.The Orpheus choir I think was about 140 strong and seemed to be enough to give sufficient volume to the choral music. The orchestra play some sections that I have not heard before which were beautiful and worthwhile to hear.

As ever, it was a lovely activity to listen to and see.

Next year which performance will we watch? We will be in London so will it be an opportunity to revisit the Royal Albert Hall to see the masters in action?

 

 

Take That

I never thought that I would going to see Take That, but it goes to show how the unexpected happens.

Murray came up with the suggestion, Sara jumped at it and I tagged along.

Three of the original members are still playing, and I must say I found them to be very professional and entertaining. I did not know all the music but enough to enjoy.
There were plenty of old recognisable tunes amongst the new ones. Lots people enjoyed themselves, Sara and Murray included.

So maybe another example of getting out and trying new and alternative things.

Driving success

Possession of a restricted license. I knew that she would pass the test. A good driver.

Was it all down to the dad teaching or the professional lessons?

Shake up the Coalition options?

Greens need to get politically real. I can see that rather than be always in the shadow of Labour. Gareth Morgan thinks similarly (from the Guardian):

Gareth Morgan, founder of the Opportunities party (TOP) is speaking to supporters. With the party currently sitting on 2.1%, it is not expected to take a seat in the new parliament.

He says TOP has been fighting to make New Zealand a fairer society, but many voters are reluctant to address issues that could help the crisis in housing affordability.

You need to be really proud, he tells supporters, saying they have put their own vested interests aside to try to help battle inequality.

And he says the Green party – traditionally backers of Labour administrations – should work with a government of any hue to push an environmental agenda:

I know it’s early days yet but I notice that the Green party is above 5% … so we’re going to lay down a challenge to the Green party … to say to National that we will work with you on the environment.

Are you actually green? You’re only green part-time and that’s not good enough for New Zealand.