Wanganui Lyric Singers concert features classical pianist

One of the featured guest artists in the Wanganui Lyric Singers’ end of year concert on Saturday, November 28, is classical pianist, Liam Wooding. Titled “Up, Up & Away”, this concert is raising money towards the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter Service.

Liam has had close links with the Lyric Singers, as accompanist while he was still in Years 11 and 12 at Wanganui High School.  He demonstrated great musicianship for one so young and quickly developed an aptitude for accompanying the choir, becoming involved in all choir events. Attending the NZCF Choral Clinic held in Wanganui opened his eyes to the huge possibilities of a career in music.

In 2013, Liam completed a Bachelor of Music in Classical Performance at Auckland University, studying under Rae de Lisle. The following year, Liam was awarded the Anne Bellam Scholarship and shared the Carl and Alberta Rosenfeldt Prize in Chamber Music.  Prior to that, he also received the Chancellor’s Award for top Maori and Pacific Scholars, an award from the Vice-Chancellor’s Arts Support Fund and a University Blues Award.

After a stint teaching at Wanganui High School and music tutoring, Liam embarked on a Postgraduate Diploma in Music at Waikato University, studying with Katherine Austin. At present, he is finishing this diploma and will begin a Master of Arts programme next year at the same university.

Liam will perform ‘Suite Bergamasque’ by Debussy, which includes the famous piece ‘Clair de Lune’.  The choir will sing a variety of folk songs, show music, the medley “Les Miserables”, as well as Christmas songs. The programme will have wide appeal to the audience. Inquiries ph 345 9073 (Joanna).

Wanganui Lyric Singers, “Up, Up & Away” is on Saturday, November 28 at 2pm at Jane Winstone Chapel. Adults $15.  Children Free.  (Access for the Chapel is via Oakland Avenue, or for those with mobility issues, via the main reception area).

(River City Press, 26/11/15)