Experience choral singing at its finest with ensembles comprising the best young musicians from across Australia at The Concourse, Chatswood. Gondwana National Choral School is the premier choral experience in Australia, bringing together singers, composers and conductors for an inspirational two week season. This intensive season concludes with the National Choral School concerts, showcasing the extraordinary talents of our choristers, conductors and composers, and featuring the world-renowned ensembles Gondwana Voices and Gondwana Chorale. Joining the National Choirs’ ensembles for the first time will be the renowned Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir.
3.00pm Concert
Enjoy the unique sounds of all Gondwana National Choirs ensembles as they present music ranging from the classical masters to the most exciting contemporary Australian choral composers, including Paul Jarman, Dan Walker, Stephen Leek and Luke Byrne. This concert concludes with the spectacular sound of the 300-voice massed choir, conducted by Dr Brady Allred, International Guest Artist and Conductor.
6.30pm Concert
All Gondwana National Choirs ensembles will present repertoire different from the 3.00pm concert. This concert also features the world premiere of Spinifex Gum by Felix Riebl, well-known Australian singer, songwriter and lead singer of The Cat Empire. Spinifex Gum is a Gondwana Choirs commission, born out of several trips by Lyn Williams and Felix to the Western Pilbara. Felix says, “this song cycle is based on my experiences and impressions of the Pilbara, and my excitement to work with this group of amazing (mostly teenage) singers. It’s mostly in English, but uses Yindjibarndi words and references throughout. Many of the sounds are sampled – trains, steps, trees, coins, yells, rocks – and the songs draw from different musical worlds, mostly contemporary. I didn’t want to shy away from the injustices and hypocrisy I witnessed while staying there, but have tried also to evoke something with moments of lightness and humour as well. More than anything, Ollie McGill (arranger) and I have worked to create something the singers are going to enjoy singing!”
Watch Felix Riebl talking about the background for Spinifex Gum – a song cycle
Listen to Gondwana Chorale members talking what to expect in the final concerts
Lyn Williams OAM, Artistic Director
Felix Riebl, Guest Composer
Dr Brady Allred, International Guest Artist and Conductor
WHEN
Saturday 23 January, 3pm
Saturday 23 January, 6:30pm
WHERE
The Concourse Chatswood
Concert Hall
PRICES*
Adult (18 ) – $52.25
Junior (17 & under) – $39.75
Pensioner – $39.75
Student – $39.75
Unemployed – $39.75
Family (2 Adult, 2 Junior) $145
*A payment processing fee of 1.95% applies to all purchases made by credit or debit card. A payment processing fee does not apply for purchases made through The Concourse box office, Ticketek agents or outlets when using cash, or when redeeming a Ticketek Gift Voucher.
