Pages of Pleasure in An Oriana Songbook

It’s been a long time coming – in fact no-one knew it was coming at all, until a very short time ago. But here we are. Oriana is delighted to announce that our second season for 2026, titled An Oriana Songbook, has been compiled, and will be conducted by, our founder, Daniel Calder, as guest Seasonal Music Director.

Ten years ago, after having established Oriana, and over a period of ten years developed it into an award-winning choral ensemble of international standard, Daniel decided that it was time to move on. It was then that the Choir adopted its current model of inviting different guest directors for each performance season. At the Twentieth Anniversary Concert in November 2025, Daniel was among the past MDs invited to participate in that celebratory occasion. That was such an enjoyable experience for choir and conductor alike, that one thing led to another, and An Oriana Songbook came into being as our next venture.

Longstanding Oriana members well recall Daniel’s inimitable conducting and coaching style. And those who have joined, in the time since Daniel left, have been impressed by the depth of his understanding of, and feel for, the music he has chosen. From the first rehearsal a few weeks ago, it was clear that he would have the Choir in the palm of his hand. It was as if he had been conducting us just in the previous week, rather than ten years ago.

An Oriana Songbook comprises seventeen songs, and encompasses a wide variety of musical styles and genres. There are love songs, gospel songs, art songs; songs which employ the words of William Shakespeare and Robert Burns; a collection of Brazilian folk songs, and more. Each one of them is special in its own way. Some are contemplative, some are very emotive, others are uplifting, one or two utterly exhilarating, and every one of them is beautiful, and a joy to sing. As one of the titles so rightly asks, “How can I keep from singing?”

Several of these songs have been performed by Oriana on various past occasions, including one that was part of the programme for the Choir’s inaugural performance in April 2006. It’s a genuine pleasure to be able to revisit them.

If you’ve been a long-time follower of Oriana, you will know of the Choir’s versatility for performing in many different musical genres. If your experience of Oriana performances has been the more modern concerts of recent times, you will be very pleasantly surprised at the Choir’s, and Daniel’s ability to make this beautiful music dance and sparkle.

An Oriana Songbook

Sunday 28 June 2026, 2:00pm - Stella Maris Primary School Hall, Maroochydore

Saturday 4 July 2026, 1:00pm - St Patrick's Catholic Church, Gympie

Ian Rix

May 17, 2026. 

Oriana Choir

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