Harmony Masterpiece in Hamilton

Weird and wonderful things are going to happen in Hamilton early in September.  Strange groups of men will be hanging around street corners and lurking in malls.  Every now and then they will create such a noise that passers-by will stop and stare – and then applaud.  That’s what happens when barbershop singers get together. 

Singing in four-part harmony gets under your skin one way or another.   It makes some people run a mile, but most are fascinated by the tight harmonies and entertaining arrangements of songs old and new.  And for the singers themselves it’s addictive.

So much so that, come the first week in September, 500 men and their partners from all over the country will descend on Hamilton for the NZ Association of Barbershop Singers’ annual convention at the Founders Theatre.  Two days of chorus and quartet competitions will culminate in a spectacular Saturday night showcase of the best this country has to offer, plus the top American quartet Masterpiece flown in for the occasion. 

Overseas judges will be involved because the level of competition here is right up to international standards.  Despite our small size, New Zealand has a chorus (Vocal FX) at No.10 and a quartet (Musical Island Boys) at No. 4 in the world. 

Both Vocal FX and Musical Island Boys will be competing at the Convention, so the public will have the opportunity to see and hear these amazing groups in action during the competition and at the Saturday concert.  They will also take part in the “Big Sing” in Garden Place the following day when all delegates will form a huge four-part harmony chorus.

Harmony Masterpiece, as the Convention is called, is being hosted by the Waikato’s own Mighty River Harmony chorus, runner-up champions at last year’s event.  Plans are now firmly in place for the Convention from 3rd to 5th September, and for the “Harmony University” being held straight afterwards, which will provide advanced tutoring for singers, quartets, musical directors and MCs.

Opportunities are available for Waikato businesses to support and sponsor various parts of the Convention and benefit from exposure to delegates and audiences.  Also, in July and August groups of singers from Mighty River Harmony will be available to sing for in-store promotions, service club meetings, and public and private gatherings.

 
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