Anniversary Concert a Triumph

There’s a wonderful song, that first appeared in 1968, called “Mr. Bo Jangles”. Mr. Bo Jangles had been a dancer, who travelled round the South with his dog, and together they entertained folks wherever they went. There’s a very poignant line in the song:

“His dog up and died, he up and died. After twenty years, he still grieves.”

The Oriana Choir is not a dance troupe. And the choir does not have a dog. But they most certainly entertain folks wherever they go. And it can truly be said that after twenty years, they still shine! And if one needed any demonstration of the veracity of that statement, Oriana’s Twentieth Anniversary Gala Concert at Venue 114 last Sunday provided it in spades.   

Before a capacity audience of 700-plus enthusiastic, at times ecstatic, music lovers and loyal Oriana followers, the choir gave one of the most outstanding performances of its twenty-year existence. With a programme made up of eighteen pieces, each of which the choir has presented at various stages of its career to date; and all of which are particular choir favourites; the audience was treated to one knockout performance after another. With musical styles ranging from medieval to baroque, jazz to folk, sacred to swing, classical to pop, there really was ‘something for everybody’.

The afternoon was hosted by Oriana’s patron, Mayor Rosanna Natoli. The warmth and enthusiasm with which she spoke to the audience, and her witty and engaging commentary, clearly demonstrated the genuine affection that she has for Oriana, with whom she has had an association dating back almost to the very beginning.

The guiding concept behind the concert was to celebrate the fact that Oriana has attained twenty years of continually providing high standard performances of beautiful music to the Sunshine Coast and beyond. The choir’s history was illuminated by placing each musical number in the context of when and how it came to be part of the choir’s repertoire.

As a way of highlighting some of its history, a number of Oriana’s past musical directors were invited to participate, by conducting pieces that they had brought to the choir during their tenure. Those who were unable to be present on the day provided video testimonials, which were projected onto screens for the audience.  Of special significance, and delight to the choir’s current members was the inclusion of Oriana’s founder and ten-year musical director, Daniel Calder, as guest conductor on four of the pieces performed.

Photo credit: Travis McFarlane

A special ‘finishing touch’ to the afternoon was the invitation to former choir members to come to the stage and join in for the finale. This provided an emotional and meaningful moment for all who took part.

The sheer variety of musical genres and styles presented on the day was a dramatic demonstration of just how very versatile and adaptable this wonderful choir really is. To be able to perform pieces as varied as Mozart, Mendelssohn, Toto’s “Africa”, Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (a marvellous, exhilarating gospel arrangement!), Cole Porter’s “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home to”, a medley from “Les Miserables”, “Dancing Queen”; and to present every one with the necessary passion, conviction and authority, is a high achievement indeed.

Audience response to the concert was virtually unanimously one of delight, and total enjoyment. A sample of comments from patrons during the interval, and after the concert, tells the story:

“I was mesmerised! The energy was amazing. The voices together were incredible. They are absolutely tops.”

“I thought it was extremely impressive, extremely professional, very well done. And it was enjoyable because they were enjoying it.”

“We were absolutely blown away; it was so beautiful. We don’t need champagne. This is so exhilarating.”

“It was world class. I could have been at the Sydney Opera House, or in Paris or New York. Thank you so much for bringing joy to people on the Sunshine Coast.”

“Simply glorious.”

Oriana has come a long way from its quiet, unassuming beginning two decades ago. A small but significant few original members remain. And many can remember their very first performance all those years ago. Those who were in the audience for Sunday’s Gala Concert would all agree that they witnessed something very special. They saw, and heard, the polished result of twenty years of passionate dedication to the pursuit of excellence and beauty, all achieved by a group of people united in friendship and family spirit.

After twenty years, Oriana still shines!

Ian Rix

7 November, 2025