Experience the celestial power of the voice as the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, joined for the first time by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir, perform highlights from the operas of the Italian masters.
Led by Music Director Brett Weymark and soloists Taryn Fiebig, Jacqueline Dark, Jaewoo Kim and Warwick Fyfe, the choirs will introduce audiences to characters addressing heaven – from Moses leading his people in prayer to a glorious hymn in an Italian village. Gioachino Rossini, best known as a composer of brilliant comedy and moving tragedy, celebrates the beauty of the human voice exquisitely in Stabat Mater. This medieval poem, which describes Mary’s contemplation of her son on the cross, is a vividly drawn drama known for inspiring profound musical responses from composers for centuries.
About the choirs
The largest of the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Festival Chorus is a 400-member strong choral powerhouse. Celebrating its tenth birthday in 2017, Festival Chorus will tackle two exciting and challenging programs – Rossini Stabat Mater and Elgar The Dream of Gerontius – both known for being monumental spiritual works, not for the faint of heart. The sheer size of the Festival Chorus lends itself to such soaring masterclasses in choral performance as 400 voices come together with the support of full orchestras to transport the audience through two powerful works. The Festival Chorus is the most accessible choir for first time choristers. The joining fee includes 20+ rehearsals across the course of the year, all music, vocal coaching, and, best of all, the chance to sing
alongside a full orchestra, world-class soloists and 400 other passionate singers on the Sydney Opera House stage.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir is a non-auditioned choir that welcomes all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, intersex, queer and straight friends and families regardless of their musical experience. The choir provides a friendly, comfortable and nurturing environment, united by a love of singing and striving for performance excellence. With around 80 active singers at any time, the choir gives two concerts a year, provides the soundtrack to countless community events and celebrations, works with many artists in performances, and regularly represents Sydney nationally and internationally. A powerful symbol of diversity and inclusion, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir’s history is closely interwoven with the history of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community. The choir is thrilled to make a positive impact on those we join in song, and for the barriers it helps to break down through singing.
Details
6 May, 8pm and 7 May, 2pm. Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: $49-$109 plus booking fees
Image supplied. Keith Saunders.
