New Lyrics Revealed to Iconic New Zealand Love Song

FROM PERSONAL TRAUMA TO PUBLIC DRAMA    [video below]
It took a house fire, a dose of cenotaph memorial on ANZAC Day, and a dash of war history TV programming to bring me to the point of inspiration for this project. I’m still marvelling at what has come of it.

Within two days of being invited to take part in the World War I commemorative concert, I’d written “Women of Courage”, a playlet built around the hymn “Abide with Me”, and a week later, new lyrics for another old and very famous song which I used to open the scene.

DID YOU GUESS?
What iconic New Zealand song was first sung in 1914? I asked this in the last Songuine post. Did you figure it out?

Think Maori love song.

Think Hayley Westenra and Russell Watson at the 2009 World Games opening ceremony in Taiwan. http://youtu.be/4JquxqloDHQ

Think Maisey Rika and the St Joseph’s Girls Choir. http://youtu.be/ITee3lUKYmc

Think Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in “Kiri’s Homecoming”. http://youtu.be/lxvV-yu67cE

You know it, don't you? The mesmerizingly beautiful melody of “Pokarekare Ana” has captivated audiences around the world, and now there are new English lyrics, faithful to the original themes of love and longing, fear and loss, pertinent then in 1914 and to us now in 2014.

Here it is.

MY BELOVED, HE HAS GONE AWAY (tune of “Pokarekare Ana”) 
All rights reserved to Narelle Worboys, copyright ©2014

[Verse]
My beloved, he has gone away,
Gone to fight a freedom war,
Enduring dangers night and day.
I fear he may return no more.

[Chorus]
Evil tears the world apart.
Is there courage in my heart
To march on ‘til victory?
Oh God,
Bring him safe to me.

[Chorus repeat]
I want him here
Holding me near.
I love him, I love him so.
Help me let him go.

I regret that I'm unable to offer you better audio-visual quality, but here's a recording of the actual performance at the Town Hall, reportedly moving many people to tears (including me) and rated as the best piece of the night.

https://youtu.be/3uA_3AlicCY

In whatever sphere or circumstance you are, "may God give you courage and strength to pursue truth and love and freedom. May He give you a daily portion to live every moment and fulfil every task with joy and grace, and faith to always carry on."*

Fiat lux.
Narelle

*The Blessing from "Women of Courage".



MORE ABOUT
Pokarekare Ana, New Zealand’s unofficial national anthem
http://youtu.be/xgRVK2ge1ys

'Pokarekare Ana' (Come Back to Me) is the beautiful love song of a homesick soldier serving in the Maori Battalion during World War I. Its heartfelt expression of longing for home and loved ones immediately touched his fellow countrymen, who adopted the haunting melody as their own. A century later, it is still a poignant musical touch-stone for any New Zealander, at home or abroad.
 

Kiwi Singer/Songwriter Rewrites Famous Song for WWI Centenary

 

What iconic New Zealand song was first sung in 1914?

Narelle Worboys has written new lyrics for it to mark the centenary of World War I. The song will feature in a dramatic ten-minute scene entitled “Women of Courage” presented by Narelle and her mother Isabel during the WWI Commemorative Concert at the Dannevirke Town Hall this Sunday.

Come experience a moving story of fear and faith -- and find out if you correctly guessed which song!

WWI Commemorative Concert

Dannevirke Town Hall

Sunday, 3rd August, 3pm

Gold coin entry

Doors open from 2pm. Come early to enjoy the themed floral art display and the static display by the Gallery of History.


For behind-the-scenes details, follow Narelle on Facebook.

Songuine Playlists on YouTube

JULES RIDING "CATACLYSM" DVD AND TOUR
Narelle performs with Jules Riding in his live-for-dvd concert "Cataclsym" and subsequent New Zealand tour

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFDD82C3734FC7C7D

NARELLE IN YOUTUBE PRODUCTIONS

ANZAC / NEW ZEALAND DAY PRODUCTIONS

Narelle Singing on Aussie TV

On 5 dates this month, Australians have the chance to hear Narelle sing on TV with Jules Riding!

You can watch the Cataclysm live concert filmed in Auckland on 9 October 2010 by tuning in to ACCTV (online or on television) on these dates.

Tues, 5 April - 8pm
Wed, 6 April - 1.30pm
Thur, 7 April - 1am
Thur, 14 April - 8.30am
Fri, 15 April - 1.30pm

Viewers in SA and NT subtract 30 minutes, and viewers in WA subtract 2 hours.

Jules Riding is touring in NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania this month. Check here for details: http://www.elkanah.org.nz/itinerary

These photos are from the Auckland concert filmed live for DVD. If you can't tune in to ACCTV on the above dates, you can view the tracks on www.YouTube.com/JulesRiding or buy the CD/DVD album or download from www.elkanah.org.nz. You can also view five clips of the New Zealand tour band at www.YouTube.com/Songuine.

View the World Premiere of Virtual Choir 2.0 !

Have you heard of Virtual Choir? If you haven't seen the videos yet, they'll knock your socks off.

80s popstar wannabe Eric Whitacre, now superstar classical composer and conductor, reveals details of the Virtual Choir 1.0 and 2.0, and the latter's world premiere in just one week:

New Zealand gets honourable mention! I'm excited and amazed to think I'm part of such a project. Did you spot me in the virtual universe...? ; ) Here's a clue for what to look for:

You can view the world premiere streaming live from New York on 7 April 2011, 6pm ET.  http://www.paleycenter.org/2011-spring-eric-whitacre  In New Zealand, that will be 10am on Friday, 8 April.

Where ever you are in the world, I hope you'll join me for this history-making event!
Warm wishes,
Narelle
www.YouTube.com/Songuine

If you'd like a text explanation of what is Virtual Choir, how it's done, and who is Eric Whitacre, click on this link and read the info box under the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geEm94ULVSQ

Narelle's miracle voice and how YouTube got her started

Those of you who knew Narelle as a teenager will know that her voice wasn't anything to exclaim about. Wondering what happened? Watch this video.

New videos - Cataclysm Tour with Jules Riding

 Below are the links to 4 songs filmed during the Masterton and Wellington concerts in November 2010.

You may have heard the Cataclysm CD or watched the DVD with the 16-member band, but you haven't experienced the tour version! The six members of the tour band created a sound we're very proud of. We hope it blesses you!

Cataclysm Tour - In Your Presence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeTJcVE1B0s

Cataclysm Tour - Holy God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBXoFx7XMzE

Cataclysm Tour - Follow the Lamb
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaguJrN-M3g

Cataclysm Tour - Because of the Cross
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co02jia8mJo

Want your own copy of the Cataclysm album? Buy on iTunes, www.Amplifier.co.nz, or get both CD and DVD for the price of one! Click here to shop now at http://www.elkanah.org.nz

Narelle on TV

Jules Riding's new dvd CATACLYSM will air on Shine TV on January 1st and 2nd. You can watch online. Go to www.ShineTV.co.nz.

1 JAN, 7:30 - 9pm
2 JAN, 1:00 - 2:30pm.

Look out for Narelle in songs "In Your Presence" and "Holy God".

Narelle on DVD

Here are the two tracks that feature Narelle's vocals on Jules Riding's cd/dvd album "Cataclysm". Hope you enjoy!

Go to www.elkanah.org.nz to find out how to download tracks or get your own copy of the double album.

How you can hear Jules and Narelle in concert

Hi! Narelle is on tour with Jules Riding!

You can hear interviews with Jules and Narelle on Tararua Television, 7pm Tuesday November 23rd.  You'll need a UHF aerial, then follow the instructions at the bottom of the TTV homepage to tune in.  http://www.tararuatv.co.nz/news.php

Mid-tour journal entry by Narelle at http://songuine.blogspot.com/2010/11/narelle-on-tour-with-jules-riding.html

Cataclysm songs are being released one at a time on YouTube: www.YouTube.com/JulesRiding

Cataclysm is available for you to purchase on Amplifier and iTunes. Narelle is featured in "In Your Presence" and "Holy God".

Amplifier.co.nz:  http://www.amplifier.co.nz/release/63914/cataclysm.html

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/follow-the-lamb/id404741838?i=404741860&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

You have two chances remaining to hear Narelle live with Jules Riding and the band! It will be worth the effort to get there -- she's singing 4 songs on tour, double what she does on the dvd.  Click here for venues and times: http://songuine.blogspot.com/2010/10/november-concert-dates.html

Narelle on Tour with Jules Riding

Two concerts done. Day to rest. Two concerts to go.

A tour concert has a totally different feel to the Auckland filmed show. I'm gaining in confidence, enjoying the process of getting comfortable working in with the band and getting my body to the point that it will do what I tell it.  I'm SO thankful I have both my parents with me each night, supporting me and helping the band.  Also very glad for a day's rest and my own bed.

The Cathedral Church of St John the Evangelist, Napier, New Zealand

Napier was great.  Magnificent venue. Recognizing Samuell away down in the very far (back row) was a cheery  moment.  He literally flew to the concert, landing his air ambulance and driving off to the concert without stopping to tidy his plane.  Another cheery moment was when my backstage high note warm-ups wafted into the sanctuary through a wall we thought was soundproof, leading Jules to comment to the audience about the imminent arrival of angels.

Consider this your invitation to attend our concert!

Sound check at St Peters Anglican Church, Palmerston North, New Zealand

I have three special memories of Palmerston North.

1. Seeing people I know.  Eighteen people came because Mum or I invited them, eleven of them from Dannevirke. I deeply appreciate their support.

2. Charmagne's face, an honest face that reflects what she feels. Amid a congregation of solemn visage, it glowed with enjoyment and that glow somehow transferred itself to my heart. I'm sure it added to my performance.

3. I got a chance to scat!  During sound check, Jules skipped into a blues rhythm that tweaked my creative urge and I yowled and twanged eight bars of crazy nonsense that lightened the afternoon for everyone.  Can't wait to do it again!

Tune in to Tararua Television at 7pm, Tuesday 23 November, for interviews with Jules and I!

Go to Jules Riding on Facebook for testimonies from the Palmerston North concert. =)

November Concert Dates

If you would like to hear Narelle live in concert with Jules Riding, here's your chance.

Four cities, in venues with wonderful acoustics.

St Johns Cathedral, Browning St, NAPIER Weds 17th Nov 7:30pm
St Peters Anglican, Terrace End, PALMERSTON NTH Thu 18th Nov 7:30pm
St Matthews Anglican, Church St, MASTERTON Sat 20th Nov 7:30pm
Old St Pauls, Mulgrave St, WELLINGTON Sun Nov 21st 7pm
(tickets for Wellington $10ea from Manna Bookstores)

Go to www.elkanah.org.nz for more details.

Jules Riding concert photos

Click on the link below to view the first batch of Jules Riding concert photos, courtesy of Jachin Mandeno.

http://mandenomoments.com/jules-riding/slideshow

This is a marvelously talented bunch of musicians. I was honoured to be among their number.

Narelle to debut in Auckland with Jules Riding

Dress rehearsal on Friday, then on Saturday -- lights, camera, action!

Howick is the place you'll want to be this Saturday, 9 October!

You can be part of the live audience when veteran New Zealand recording artist Jules Riding is filmed in concert for his new album CATACLYSM, with Acoustic Band and featuring vocalist Narelle Worboys whom he found on YouTube in March 2009. This is their second collaboration, but the first to be shared with the public.

Other guest artists are Nigel Gavin, Emma Roxburgh, and Hebron Children's Choir. [Wow, I'm sharing billing with Opera NZ resident artist Emma Roxburgh! http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/local/... ]

Don't miss this opportunity to hear great music for an amazing price! Get your tickets now -- just $10 each, $5 unwaged, by emailing tickets@elkanah.org.nz.

Remember, Saturday, 9 October, 7:30pm!
See you at Elim Christian Centre, 159 Botany Road, Howick, Auckland, New Zealand!

For more info on the album and record release/NZ Tour dates go to http://www.elkanah.org.nz.

BTW, "Freestyle" in the video means impromptu, unrehearsed, invention of the moment.

Singing for Susan Boyle & Jules Riding -- in the same year!

Progress in health management has allowed two exciting things into my life.

I've begun work on backing vocals for Jules Riding's next album debut, a concert that will be filmed live in Auckland on October 9th. Check his website for more details. I expect to also participate in at least a couple of the tour dates, those close to my hometown.

Last week, with 24 hours' notice, I auditioned for Susan Boyle. She's looking for someone to duet with on her next album, someone for whom she can do what Simon Cowell did for her. Even if I'm not what she's looking for, it was a fantastic opportunity, and I was provided with a reason to make a cool video which I hope you'll enjoy watching as much as I enjoyed making!

Just in case you thought the sound effects were contrived...

Hmm, what happened to my quiet year for writing the Queensland novel? That project seems to have been pushed to the back burner! Tomorrow afternoon it shall be my hot spot. I am determined.

Anzac Day Tragedy - Tribute Memorial

When I was 10 years old, I sang in the children's choir backing Barry McGuire in a TearFund concert. One of his solos was "Last Farewell" by Randy Sparks, fellow New Christy Minstrels musician. The song spoke so deeply to my heart that I remembered it and sang it to myself many times as I grew up.

Grown up and given the opportunity to perform in an Anzac Day concert, I chose "Last Farewell" as part of my program. Wanting to check that I'd remembered the lyrics correctly, I contacted Barry McGuire and he put me in touch with Randy Sparks.

Guys, here's a recording of that 2007 event rehearsal used as backing for a memorial tribute to the Anzac Day tragedy in New Zealand in 2010. I still love the song. One day I'll do an even better job with it, I promise.

LAST FAREWELL
by Randy Sparks

I’m going away at eventide
Across the wild and windy sea.
I bid you stay, stay here by my side
And share a last farewell with me.

Through snowclad mountains proud and tall
Or a thousand miles ‘cross the burning sand,
Our last farewell then will I recall
When I’m alone in a far off land.

A wandering song is all I know,
Yet I love you more, more than words can tell.
I hear the call and I’m bound to go.
I leave you now with a last farewell.

If you asked me why am I affected by this tragedy, why do I care about the deaths of people I didn't know, I would answer:

"No man is an Island, entire of it self; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
John Donne: Meditation XVII

Opera in the Park 2009

Outdoor Music-Making -- Summer's Bliss

My list of fun things to do this summer looked like this:

My parents and I went on our bush walk and picnic, I found a marvellous swing that endowed me with proprietory rights for 9 days, and to my astonishment, I was blessed with attending 3 concerts, 2 of which were outdoor events.

Nephews and I playing shady characters on the swing. Yes, a bowl of cherries was involved. Swingsational.

Dad and I went to Nelson's Opera in the Park, a type of show I've been waiting half my life to attend. We arrived at the venue to the lively sounds of a terrific Nelson brass ensemble. I'll never forget the welcome of that as we proceeded from our car through the park grounds, in the venue gates, and across the field to our seats.

The official program was a classy New Zealand showcase (apart from the M.C. radio hostess trying too hard and the strange antics of mezzo soprano Helen Medlyn), with superb vocals from internationally acclaimed soprano Anna Leese (whose big sister and I once shared a bowl of birthday cake icing), a girl whose serene presence on stage is an experience indeed. I would have liked to hear more from Georgia Jamieson-Emms, winner of last year's Sealord Aria, off to seek a singer's fortune in Europe the day after this concert. She sang just one item, "Caro Nome" from Rigoletto.

Tenors Simon O'Neill and Ben Makisi got together for the first time since their 1st and 2nd placings at the Nelson Aria in 1994, and offered magnificent vocals along with amusing memories of emergency shoe-swapping. Their "Au Font du Temple Saint" moved me to tears. I'm a sucker for that melody...

Dad and I held Gold Patron tickets, with all the luxuries laid on. Dad even waved to himself on the big screen (I'd gone walkabout to experience the backbenches). It was a night to remember.

Arriving hatless, our neighbours found that desperation under the evening sun made them creative.

Last weekend, my parents and I took our deck chairs north to Central Hawkes Bay's prestigious back of beyond, the historic homestead of Oruawharo. The Lions fundraiser event has been running for three years. I attended the first one at the time I started voice lessons with Ileana Otto-Johansen, who is the musical director and featured soprano.

I stood in the shade of a mighty tree while people were arriving, and a man passed by whom I haven't seen in a while. I once sang in his garden. He waved at me in my heirloom skirt and white linen hat sporting feathers and flowers. "Are you performing this year?" he said.

The program runs for 4 hours, with 3 satisfying brackets of mixed opera and musical theatre songs, the first two separated by a 15 minute interval, and the second and third by an hour for tea. Those who paid $50 entrance were classed as prestige-ticket holders and enjoyed a restaurant meal cooked in the homestead kitchen and served under the trees at linen-draped tables. Those who paid $40 received a plastic-wrapped plate of salad, meat, and bread bun. We were quite happy with our personally serviced picnic hamper.

650 concert-goers mean a lot of cars, and the homestead grounds were well organized for coping with this influx. The wooden swing hanging from a very tall elm that I'd been looking forward to sampling was pre-booked --- gowned in white linen, clearly the sole property of the bouquet of pink roses resting among the folds. I found the intervals tedious, it being necessary for me to walk (deckchair malaise) rather than stand around talking, but I filled in some time with my own vocals down the far end of the paddock. As folk regathered for Session 3, a man maneuvering down the row behind mine said he'd enjoyed my music. He must have been socializing with the cars to have heard that, but it was nice to know I'd entertained more than myself.

Ileana's performances were wonderful, and so were her gowns -- 8 of the former, 3 of the latter. I was totally blown away by tenor Jason Parker, a 17-year-old with not much training (yet) but an incredible power and richness to his voice that I eagerly anticipate hearing again. I took quiet pleasure in listening to soprano Janet Smith and studying her demeanor. Having in recent months become happily acquainted with Andre' Rieu's relaxed, joyful style of classical music, followed by the bantering featured in Nelson, I felt a slight culture shock in the seriousness of the Oruawharo singers' presentations. The only time I saw Ileana smile on stage was before her last solo, the second to last item on the program. Janet had a sparkle that made her a pleasure to watch as well as a pleasure to listen to, a distinction that reminds me of the difference between my demeanor at my Town Hall debut and the way I handle gigs now after a year of working with Elaine Swanney. Ileana is a trained, experienced performer and a woman of strong character, so I figure she just sees opera as very serious business.

Ileana Otto-Johansen with guest artist Patrick Power (local tenor of international renown)

Summer's passive entertainment becomes a warm and pleasant memory as the year's program takes over. A sudden, unexpected improvement in my health has allowed me to dig into music preparations with enthusiasm, and bookings are beginning to dot my calendar. So then, on with the dance! May the melody of love be woven in the fabric of your days.

War Birds in Dannevirke

Elaine and Narelle warm up at Elaine's piano before flitting off for a show at Rahiri, another in The War Years series.

Spring Calendar

SPRING PROGRAMS

Pahiatua
Combined Churches Service
Operation Christmas Child promotion
5:30pm
Sunday, August 31st

Elske Centre
1pm, Tuesday, September 9th

Eileen Mary
2pm, Friday, September 19th

Rahiri
2:30pm, Friday, September 26th

Autumn Lodge
2pm, Friday, October 3rd

Elske Centre
1pm, Monday, October 6th
CANCELLED due to funeral.

Eileen Mary
2pm, Friday, October 17th
POSTPONED. Narelle & Elaine taking a breather.

Autumn Lodge
2pm, Friday, October 24th
CANCELLED due to funeral.

Sacred Music at
The Edwardian House
8 Victoria Avenue, Dannevirke
2:30pm
Labour Day
Monday, October 27th
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Elske Centre

Tartan Lass