Handel's 'Messiah',

Allie surprised us recently by announcing that she had purchased tickets for us to see Handel's Messiah. Wow. Jeanne and I heard it just once, about 1972, at the Cathedral in Marquette, Michigan. We would be very pleased to say the least, to hear it again. 

I don't know, maybe I should have said, "See it again," because clearly, the visual aspect of the performance contributes as well. I thought I better do some research to find out just how the Messiah is actually described. 

I found that it is an oratorio. It has an orchestra, a choir and soloists, like an opera does, but it is classed as a concert piece, rather than musical theatre. 

It was written in 1741 and first performed in Dublin. 

This was the 99th year of it's presentation at the Auckland Town Hall. 

We talked to the boys about it and I think they understood that what they would be seeing was not just a piece of classical music, but rather, it was a historical event. One that had been repeated for hundreds of years. Talk about tradition. I don't know that they were quite as pumped about seeing it as we adults were, but they were certainly willing to give it a go.  

We started our evening out at Denny's in New Lynn. Allie had promised the boys a dinner out on the town if they kept the time it takes them to change in to their street clothes after swim class to under five minutes, ten times in a row. They accomplished it. And Grammy and I got to come along. We all enjoyed the food and the American-style ambiance. Then, it was off to the city...

We are now in Aotea Square and there is the Auckland Town Hall. I don't know about you, but when I say 'town hall,' I think of of public offices, low-level politicians and boredom. This town hall does have some offices I know, but it is so much more. So many things about New Zealand have been a wonderful surprise. This place continued the tradition and 'wowed' us all. 

'Boys will be boys.'

This is looking back toward the entrance to the underground parking. Arram is checking out what appears to be a giant Christmas present and Amiri is hanging from the raised fist of Dove-Myer Robinson, Auckland's longest-serving mayor. That is a life-size bronze of "Robbie." He was small in stature, but had a booming voice and huge energy. He was a 'mover and a shaker.' (Especially of his fist, I guess.)

This is the main entrance to the Hall. 

It was opened in 1911

It's 'Great Hall' seats 1,673 people. 

Acoustics are said to be among the best in the world. 

It's about thirty minutes before the performance starts. Most people are downstairs. We are sight-seeing. 

This is looking back at the stairway down. In the left-hand corner you see the entrance to the balcony seating. Arram and I will do some snooping later...

Just look at that. I could look at that all day, I think. The levels, steps, patterns, light and colors and pillars. 

Heading back down. Allie will take the boys for ice cream and Jeanne and I will find our seats on the main floor. 

Here we are. 

There is the orchestra, the choir and up a the top, the organist.  

We're all in our seats and ready to listen.
The floor is of Kauri Pine over 100 years old.  

I mentioned a few photos ago, that Arram and I did some snooping. It is now during the 20 minute intermission. Arram and I came up to get a drink of water, but also to see what the Great Hall looks like from the balcony. Boy, were we impressed. 

Here it is. Arram so liked the view that he brought his mom up here a short time later. I was then taking pictures from the main floor and just missed getting a picture of them looking over the balcony. 

That is the Klais Organ. Eight-two pipes are visible, but there are a total of 5,291 of them. The largest is thirty-two feet tall. The smallest is only 1 inch.  
Maori master-carver Arekatera Haihi carved a set of wooden pipes that produce the sound of traditional Maori wind instruments. These were incorporated into the organ. It is truly a one-of-a-kind.  

The small TV up there allows the organist to see the conductor. 

The view from the base of the stage. 

The entire performance was nearly three hours long. The boys were amazingly mature throughout the evening. When we exited the building the cool night air was so welcome. While there was air-conditioning inside, it was not as comfortable as it was to be strolling our way homeward. 

The Sky Tower is decked out in red and green. It smelled so good here. I think it must have been blossoming pohutukawas. 

I turned back to take one last quick look, and a photo.  Although I'm tired, I rather hate to see our evening end. Thank you Allie, for giving us all a remarkable experience and
another happy memory for your boys. -djf