The OTHC music room was our breakfast venue – for Scott’s traverse of European travels, so that his La Scala feature could be followed by a choral performance. Highlights of Scott and Debbie’s cultural and sporting tour ranged from Berlin, to London, Portugal, Le Quesnoy, Milan and Spain.
Slides opened with the Brandenburg Gate, with Scott noting how Germany fronts up to all aspects of its history, with the scarred Berlin Bunker repurposed as an Art gallery – then the nearby, expansive monument to the murdered Jews of Europe. Lords in London represented another aspect of history, with the highlight of Martin Crowe’s portrait being unveiled in the Longroom on the occasion of the 150th test, in a series ultimately won by NZ!
Le Quesnoy, celebrating the WW1 achievement of a town liberated without any destructive bombardment – thanks to the bravery and ingenuity of NZ soldiers, is the only NZ museum outside our country – featuring a range of most notable human stories. Scott particularly noted Winiata Tapsell who returned to live at Maketu and fathered 21 children! Portugal also brought memories of home – as a small country on the edge of Europe, looking out to sea, while the Spanish territory of Madeira is a volcanic island, the size of Singapore.
Lucia di Lammermoor was the opera performed at the extraordinary La Scala venue, with a storyline that takes the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet to new heights!
Then 22 of the 66 member OTHC choir had made an early start to their day, to provide the treat of a classic Renaissance/Baroque item, most ably conducted by Diana Rhodes with a solo flautist and John Scott on the grand piano – a generous donation to the school by Harvey Alison.
Meeting videos……….
Scott’s address - RCON Meeting 'The Road to La Scala' 18Aug26.mp4
Musical item - RCON Meeting Choir 18Aug26.mp4