1999 Programme
CYRE made its first public appearance on 27 March at 7.30 p.m. in the Auditorium of Christ's College, Rolleston Avenue, as guest artists in the concert presented by CSM Sinfonia and the CSM Stage Jazz Band.
CYRE next appeared in a joint concert in the Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday 19 June. Groups appearing included the CSM Girls' Choir, Christchurch Youth Choir, CSM Sinfonia, Canterbury University Campus Choir and CYRE.
"A String Of Pearls" was the title and theme of the Concert for Armidale and combined gems of music from the recorder's vast history, interspersed with pithy quotes on the attributes of music, from the world's great minds. This concert was first presented on December 16th 1999 in the Chapel of the Music Centre of Christchurch.
"Of all the arts beneath the heaven that man has found or God has given, none draws the soul so sweet away, as music's melting, mystic lay; slight emblem of the bliss above, it soothes the spirit all to love". James Hogg 1770 -1835
The Rise and Rise of CYRE
In 1986 Conductor Neville Forsythe presented an audio tape recording of the CYRE at a lunchtime recital for NZ Recorder Week in Auckland.
In 1990 the group played live (again in Auckland) at a Twilight Concert.
In 1993 (Wellington) an "open rehearsal" with Brian Bonsor of England was turned (by him) into a recital by the Ensemble.
In 1996 the CYRE performed the entire Opening Concert for NZ Recorder Week (Silverstream Wgtn), covering eight centuries of recorder music linked with readings and poetry.
A CD recording of this concert: CONNECTIONS - Eight Centuries of Recorder Music was available from The Office Manager Christchurch School of Music Box 22 245 Christchurch New Zealand
In 1997 (as a result of their 1996 Concert), the group participated in a National Conference of Music Educators and attracted funding to enable them to work with Aldo Abreu from Boston USA who had been at the 1996 Recorder Week. On that occasion CYRE were delighted to host the Batalla Famossa Ensemble from Armidale Australia, led by Zana Clarke who is well renowned in Australia as a teacher, composer and performer.
REHU MA TANGI
On September 22 1999 12 members of the CYRE travelled to Nelson NZ to meet and hear the Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet the world's finest recorder quartet.
The Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet
Front Row: L to R Daniel Bruggen, Bertho Driever
Back Row: Paul Leenhouts, Karel van Steenhoven
In Chez Eelco coffee house CYRE members played a programme of light music at a reception held for ALSQ in the presence of the Dutch Ambassador to NZ and various civic and diplomatic dignitaries.
Later that evening the CYRE players were treated to a wonderful recital of recorder music by ALSQ in the Nelson Cathedral.
The next day CYRE had the unique privilege of working in an Ensemble Workshop with Paul Leenhouts of ALSQ.
After a busy but inspiring day the CYRE members returned to Christchurch to prepare for their trip to Armidale Australia.