Making his Mark
Recently he became musical director of the Orpheus Choir, and he’s also directing Toi Whakaari’s second year musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on top of his other job, teaching at Victoria’s School of Music.
Dorrell studied music at Cambridge University, the Royal College of Music and at the National Opera Studio. After four years with Scottish Opera he moved to London where he directed some of the biggest musicals on the West End and for the London Fringe working with Judi Dench, Hugh Jackman and Sir Ian McKellen among others. Before moving to New Zealand in 2007 he was head of music for ARTS-ED, one of the UK’s leading musical theatre colleges.
“I came to New Zealand first in 1991 on a holiday and loved the place,” Dorrell says, though his first impressions of Wellington were somewhat mixed.
“I arrived in Wellington on a Sunday night in the middle of June, and the whole place was closed down. The only place open was The Green Parrot.”
Dorrell became involved with the Orpheus Choir 18 months ago as assistant conductor and rehearsal pianist. His decision to take on the role of musical director comes at an unusually busy time for the Wellington choir, with three major concerts back to back.
Last month Orpheus joined the Vector Wellington Orchestra for On the Transmigration of Souls and sang with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in Odes to Joy. On Friday that choir stages An Evening with Cole Porter at the Wellington Town Hall.
“Orpheus isn’t associated with any particular repertoire and after two fairly heavy programmes Cole Porter will give us a chance to let our hair down and enjoy ourselves.”
For this concert composer and musical director Wayne Senior has arranged a selection of jazz medleys. The 100 voice choir will be joined by singer/actor Sarah Lineham, tenor Chris Crowe, and a jazz combo from the Vector Wellington Orchestra.
An Evening with Cole Porter, Orpheus Choir of Wellington, Wellington Town Hall, 7pm, October 7.









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