Auckland's Gay and Lesbian Singers is celebrating 16 years of concerts by pulling out all their favourite songs and special guests for their end-of-year concert this weekend. Climb Every Mountain – GALS' Favourite Things concerts will feature the complete GALS singing group and guests including talented local soprano Maria Treadaway, Purple bar's jazz pianist Ben Tapene, and guest pianist Andrea Rabin – who will accompany choir member Jayne Furlong in a fresh wry adaption of a Noel Coward favourite. "GALS is in fine form with a range of our best music from past concerts and a few new ones as well," says singer David Reeves. "As well as the variety in well-known numbers such as the all-time favourite Danny Boy, and Burt Bacharach/Hal David's Close To You, we've got some wonderful choral arrangements for four and eight parts. Witty interludes and our own versions of a few songs are also provided to press your laugh buttons." Auckland-based composer David Hamilton features again in GALS' programme this season, adding a local flavour. "We're bringing back songs we've taken overseas to choral festivals and events like the Gay Games including the beautiful hymn Hine e Hine, made famous in the 1970s and '80s as the Goodnight Kiwi theme," says Reeves. "One of our most popular concerts was GALS and Friends so we've invited some of our well-loved guest performers to join us again, singing some of their favourites. There's lots of variety and something for everyone." This weekend's concerts take place at 5:30pm on Saturday and Sunday (1
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Friday, 31st October 2008 - 10:13am