Completely blissed out after attending the Oriana "Haydn Sunrise" concert this afternoon. There are not enough letters on this keyboard to express how fabulous it was. I was particularly moved by the Johann Michael Haydn "Salve Regina" in the first half. Tears even, but nothing could have prepared me for the sublime (sorry about the clichés) "Sunrise Mass" by Ola Gjeilo featured in the second half. Strings and choir led by the remarkable Sandra Milliken produced such exquisite sounds that this is now my new musical favourite. In fact, I could even say that this is the last music I would like to listen to just before dying. Now THAT'S a bit extreme, I know, but honestly, everyone left that venue looking much as I felt. Smiles and dazed looks... THANK YOU wonderful people; all of you, for making this an afternoon to remember. 

A Haydn Sunrise. 28 May 2017.

It was a world-class performance. What a pleasure to hear those magnificent voices that belong to Sunshine Coast singers in the Oriana Choir. I am so proud of their achievement.

Handel's "Messiah". December 2016

Thank you so much for singing at our wedding. We are so appreciative you took the time to learn the special songs that meant a lot to us. You really were the ‘wow’ factor at our wedding!

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Love Nick and Jaclyn

Wedding, September 2016

I really enjoyed the afternoon. This morning I was talking about ‘Cathedral Dreaming’, saying that I could have been sitting in a cathedral somewhere in Europe, so impressive was the quality and harmony of the performance.

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I do hope to have the time to attend a future performance.

Thanks again,

Tim.

Cathedral Dreaming 2016

Another triumph! …I actually beamed, blissed out, teared up, sang along in the head and [was] once again totally entertained and thrilled.

[My companion] commented on how lucky we were to have such quality of music here and of course I agree. This is never said lightly, as we have both experienced a number of European choral performances of the highest order. Now that sounds a bit pretentious, but is not in the slightest; merely a context for listening to great music. BRILLIANT…

Thank you all for yet another beautiful experience and more musical memories to savour. Your vision, Daniel, and everyone's hard work funnelled into an afternoon of professionalism and PURE DELIGHT. May there be many more, I say. Oriana certainly brightens up my life!

Bach Magnificat & Mozart Requiem - 2013

To those who didn't come, I say what a wonderful opportunity they missed. Choir just gets better and better. Please pass on our congratulations to all - singers, orchestra and conductor. We were sitting in the front row so couldn't get better seats for the vertically challenged. Again a wonderful afternoon.

Bach Magnificat & Mozart Requiem - 2013

My friend ... and I attended your Oriana Christmas concert recently.

We have been following your choir for the past 3 or 4 years, and we think that your choral singing reached a new peak of outstanding excellence on this occasion. Many thanks, and congratulations!

The choir's rendition of Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" was pure delight and exceeded our expectations.

I thought that in many ways the highlight of the program was the magical performance of Away in a Manger in the round, with the audience enclosed within the choir's ranks. This was a stroke of pure genius - on the part of Daniel Calder, no doubt! The effect was as electrifying as it was unexpected. In an instant I was floating through space surrounded by a vast sea of gently pulsating musical sounds, which simultaneously filled my whole being with awe and delight. This was undoubtedly the most intense and joyous form of meditation I have ever experienced! I hardly dared to breathe for fear of breaking the spell.
 
Thank you, Oriana Choir, for such an unexpected and wondrous experience! It will live with me forever.

An Oriana Christmas - 2013

Would you pass on my thanks to everyone involved in the Oriana Christmas concert.

I was so excited to be coming to hear the Christmas concert. My expectations were high and I was not disappointed.

What I wasn't expecting however was to be left with a most wonderful experience that I will remember forever and the best Christmas gift to cherish. When the choir surrounded the audience for the performance of Away in a Manger I closed my eyes and felt embraced by the sound of all the singers, I could hear every one and felt just like I was in a manger surrounded by a beautiful light. So now my story goes that at the concert I heard Christmas lights singing - each one of you a light with a special sound that shines brightly in my heart and soul. And so the gift of receiving was the highlight of my night and I just wanted to let you all know how thankful I am.

An Oriana Christmas - 2013