PLENTY TO CELEBRATE ‘BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS

Something wonderful has happened in the past couple of weeks. It seems that the whole nation has been brought together by the excitement of seeing The Matildas giving their all, and in so doing inspiring Australians of all ages, filling us with a sense of pride in their achievements, and sheer joy in the way they have united us to share in their triumphs, but also in their disappointment. We felt their heartache at their defeat on Wednesday night. But through the whole experience of the World Cup competition, The Matildas have reminded us that we are blessed to be able to call ourselves Australian.

Just as those wonderful girls bring Australians together through their dedication to their beloved football, so Australian musicians of all kinds do with their dedication to sharing their love of music. And Oriana Choir is certainly no exception in this. The concert series, Beneath the Southern Cross: A Celebration of Australian Music, showcases some of the best of Australian contemporary choral and popular music of the last fifty years. Featuring inspirational pieces by esteemed Australian composers Paul Jarman and Gordon Hamilton, some Australian bush songs, tributes to The Seekers and Olivia Newton-John, and choral arrangements of much-loved songs by John Farnham, John Paul Young, Powderfinger and The Idea of North, this marvellous programme gives ample reason to be justifiably proud of music produced and performed in this beautiful land of ours.

Oriana’s performance at St. Rita’s College, Brisbane, on Sunday, August 13th, elicited this response from an appreciative audience member:

“I wish to convey my deep gratitude for the magnificent concert

so beautifully presented which is continually resonating within me

and delighting me.”

The second and final performance of Beneath the Southern Cross: A Celebration of Australian Music takes place this coming Sunday, August 20th, at 2.00 pm at Stella Maris School Hall, Maroochydore. The acclaimed choral conductor Paul Holley is Oriana’s Music Director for this season, and the excellent and delightful soprano, Panayiota Kalatzis is special guest soloist.

Just as The Matildas have done Australia proud in this World Cup contest, Oriana hopes to do its audience proud with this presentation of marvellous, pride-worthy Australian music. It’s probably fair to say, as another famous musician declared way back in 1967, “a splendid time is guaranteed for all.”

Beneath the Southern Cross: A Celebration of Australian Music will be performed at:

Stella Maris School Hall, Maroochydore, Sunday August 20, 2.00 pm.

For bookings and information go to oriana.org.au