As part of its 2015 Contrast Concert Series, Napier Civic Choir presents an enthralling evening of Puccini at his best. Relish the opera excerpts including the beautiful Humming Chorus from Madame Butterfly, the famous Nessun Dorma from Turandot, and arias from Tosca. Soloists are Hawke’s Bay’s own Soprano Anna Pierard with Tenor – Matthew Reardon, and Baritone – Simon Lobelson, both from Australia.

Be uplifted by Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. Remarkably he wrote this as a Master’s thesis at the age of 18 and hiding within it are hints of the power and themes of his later work. Beautiful, hopeful and operatic, this Mass is a lyrical treat for the ears and the soul!