FAURE, HAYDN AND ORIANA – A WINNING MIX!
In just under two weeks’ time, Oriana Choir will present its first major classical concert series since the acclaimed performances of Mozart’s Requiem and Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass in May 2021. This season we are bringing you Gabriel Faure’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, and Joseph Haydn’s ‘Nelson’ Mass.
Rehearsals have been underway since March, and the development of the works from week to week has been quite a fascinating process. Oriana has performed the sublime Faure works on a number of occasions in the past, and revisiting them is always a joy. Faure’s is without a doubt one of the loveliest Requiems ever composed, and its continuance in the ongoing performance of classical choral works is richly deserved, as is that of the beautiful stand-alone piece, Cantique de Jean Racine.
Learning and performing the Haydn work, however, is a first for Oriana. It is a big composition, and quite demanding of Oriana choristers’ mental, emotional and physical energies. In fact, Haydn’s chief biographer has written that the ‘Nelson’ Mass “is arguably Haydn’s greatest single composition.” That’s a pretty big call. But, as our familiarity with the work has grown, so has our appreciation of its musical merit, and one has to acknowledge that, as sacred choral works go, it is up there with the best of them.
For the newer members of the Choir, especially those for whom both works are new, the process has been doubly demanding. Learning a major work for the first time is often daunting. It’s always a process of initial ‘note-bashing’, breaking things down into manageable ‘bites’, putting those bites together, learning dynamics, and becoming sufficiently familiar with the music to be able to give it shape and interpret it to the requirements of the Music Director’s vision.
But the entire choir has ‘risen to the occasion’ admirably. Under Music Director Kim Kirkman’s firm but encouraging hand, the progress from ground zero to where we are now has been steady and inexorable. With a couple of rehearsals left before our first performance on the 10th of July, we are well placed to ‘peak’ at exactly the right moment, and this concert series looks to be nothing short of remarkable.
There are to be three performances – one in Gympie, one in Brisbane, and one in Maroochydore. The venues are:
Gympie – Sunday, July 10th, at St. Patrick’s Church, 14 Church Street, Gympie.
Brisbane – Saturday, July 16th, at St, John’s Cathedral, 373 Ann Street, Brisbane City.
Maroochydore – Sunday, July 17th, at Stella Maris Primary School, Stella Way, Maroochydore.
All performances are at 2.00 pm
The performances in Brisbane and Maroochydore will be presented with accompaniment by the acclaimed Brisbane orchestral ensemble, the Sinfonia of St. Andrew’s
PLEASE NOTE:
It’s important to be aware that the concert in Gympie is a preview performance which will feature only the Faure works, with piano accompaniment. The logistics of performing with an orchestra in the Church are a little too demanding to do Haydn’s mighty work the justice it deserves. However, Gympie patrons can be assured that Faure’s beautiful music will be performed with love and sensitivity, and they will enjoy a unique musical experience.
Secure your seats by visiting oriana.org.au
