Newly painted on the outside and being refurbished inside, St Laurence’s Chapel will open its doors to host its first community event.
Formerly St Laurence’s Anglican Church, the building was used from 1895 until last year when the entire complex (church hall, Sunday school and church) was purchased by Sue Cooke and Bryce Smith, with the aim of restoring the buildings and integrating it into Whanganui’s arts community.
Chamber Music Whanganui is delighted to present the first concert in this beautiful historic building by the Kugels, a klezmer band who are on a return visit to Whanganui, and comprising singer Anna Gawn, Robin Perks (violin), Debbie Rawson (clarinet/saxophone), Ross Harris (accordion/composer), and Nick Tipping (bass).
The ensemble has been together for 10 years now and has completed nationwide tours for Arts on Tour NZ and Chamber Music New Zealand, and performed as guest artists at several NZ festivals. The Kugels recorded a second CD in October 2020 and it will be available at all their concerts. Their first CD was voted in the top 10 by the NZ Herald in 2017.
With passion and sensitivity, the Kugels play traditional klezmer music and original works by their in-house Arts Foundation Laureate composer/accordionist Ross Harris. Klezmer is a style of folk music from Eastern and Central Europe and it speaks to the hearts of oppressed people everywhere. This genre is enjoying a huge rebirth of interest and popularity. The music is wild, passionate and haunting and makes you want to dance.
