For a small town, Whakatane boasts a healthy number of music and arts events.
The Edgecumbe Choir traditionally presents three major concerts each year, with the odd appearance at other events thrown in for good measure.
Here you'll find information about upcoming and past choir concerts. Information about other local arts events can be found via Arts Whakatane, the Whakatane Music Society Facebook Page, or Whakatane.com.
If you'd like your event included on this page, please get in touch.
The Edgecumbe Choir would like to congratulate one of its best-loved and most valuable members on recognition in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Choir accompanist Olga Stancliff has this month been awarded a QSM for her contribution to music.
Olga has been playing piano with the Edgecumbe Choir since the 1980s. She also accompanies the Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass Band, Trident High School soloists and ensembles, and has taught scores of students throughout the the Eastern Bay.
BOP Choirmaster & Vocal Coach Chalium Poppy on Mozart
Listen to Chalium's interview with Radio NZ Concert's Eva Radich about his choir's upcoming performance of Mozart's Requiem Mass and Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna.
Free vocal workshops offered for all existing and prospective choir members.
Developing vocal quality will be the focus for the Edgecumbe Choir over the next two months, with two highly skilled tutors offering their expertise to all current and potential choir members.
Check out these sites for what's coming up arts-wise around town:
The creative team that brought you 'Peter Pan' and 'Oliver' is now excited to be bringing 'Annie' live to the stage.
Don't miss this Broadway spectacle! Coming to the Little Theatre 22nd May - 6th June 2015.
If you haven't experienced a Bay of Plenty Music school before, now's the time. This annual event brings together musicians not only from the Bay of Plenty, but throughout the whole North Island, for a weekend of music making under the tutelage of some of New Zealand's top conductors. Many Edgecumbe Choir members attend each year, and just love it!
The Early Bird Discount applies if you register before 1 March so get in quick.
Visit the BOP Music School website for more information.
Summer is a fantastic time of year to be in the Eastern Bay, and the annual Summer Arts festival is not to be missed. Check out the Pre-Festival Christmas & New Year Events brochure and plan your party.
From Bowie to Perry, Elton to Adele, the programme is made up of hit songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, right through to today. This is the Edgecumbe Choir as you've never seen them before!
The Whakatane Commuinty Orchestra will perform its 'Midwinter Melodies' concerts at the Church of St George & St John on Saturday 21 June and Sunday 22 June, 2pm.
Music Director: Tom Bayliss
Tickets available at The Good Life $20 Students $5
Theatre Whakatane presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's ever popular muscial 'Cats'. On now at the Little Theatre, 'Cats' offers a magical theatre experience. Professional director/choreographer Dean McKerras and a talented Cast and crew have created a stunning musical and dance extravaganza, with excellent reviews. This is one show not to be missed. Tickets are selling fast so book yours now.
Arts Whakatane's 'Summer Arts Festival' 2014 programme is jam packed with a wide range of local arts events, showcasing a host of local, national and international talent. This year's festival celbrates 30 years of the Summer Arts festivals in Whakatane.
Download the brochure for full details.
February
Sat 8: 7pm Shakespeare in the Park - Little Theatre
Sun 9: 11am Artist Talk - Andrea Cooper at Te Koputu (Whakatane Library)
Sun 9: 2pm Summer Operal - Church of St George & St John, Domain Rd
Sat 15: 5pm Jazz in the Park, Whakatane Rose Garden
Sun 16: 11am Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award Floor Talk - Patricia Long
Tue 18: 7.30pm Eastern Bay Brass Band 'Bel Canto', Church of St George & St John
Sun 23: 11am Art Appreciation Talk - Wayne Marriott "Early NZ Painters" at Te Koputu (Whakatane Library)
Wed 26: 7.30pm Irish Music - Delicious Musical Treats at the Church of St George & St John
March
Sun 2: 11am Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award Floor Talk - Sue Whale
Sun 2: 4pm Met Opera Film Dvorak 'Rusalka' Whakamax, The Strand
Sun 9: 11am Artist Talk - Danny McRoberts - Traditional Maori Sculptor, Te Koputu (Whakatane Library)
Sat 15: 3pm Organ and Clarinet Concert - Church of St George and St John, Domain Rd
Sun 16: 11am Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award Floor Talk - Lee-Anne Sheather
Sun 23: Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award closes
Sun 23: 4pm Met Opera Fim Borodin - 'Prince Igor' at Whakamax, The Strand
Fri 28: Motorcycle Art Exhibition, Te Koputu (Whakatane Library)
April
Sun 13: 4pm Met Opera Film Massenet - 'Werther', Whakamax, The Strand
Wed 16: Arts of Tour: Fiona Pears "Swing Driven Thing", Church of St George & St John
Friday 25 - Sunday 27 April
The Bay of Plenty Music School is a great opportunity for local singers and musicians to play together and hone their skills.
An intensive weekend of workshops sees singers learn a selection of pieces over a three day period, and perform them in a concert on the Sunday afternoon.
Top conductors take the workshops, and choir members who've attended past music schools have found them incredibly worthwhile.
Don't miss the award-winning Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass performing 'an evening of beautiful melodies, 7.30pm this Tuesday 18 February at the Church of St George & St John. Tickets are available from Health 2000 or the door. Adults $15, Children $5, Family of Four $35.
These performances aren't to be missed! Tickets are on sale at 'The Good Life' on The Strand. Find more details on the Arts Whakatane website.
Edgecumbe Choir members will perform a selection of carols at several events in the lead up to Christmas. Come along and hear us at the following venues:
Saturday 14 December, 1pm - Riverslea Shopping Mall, Edgecumbe
Saturday 14 December, 2pm - Julians' Berry Farm
Sunday 15 December, 11am - Whakatane Hospital Chapel
Sunday 15 December, 11.45am - Whakatane Sunday Markets
Read a review of the Christmas Joy concert here.