Acclaimed Sunshine Coast ensemble Oriana Choir will present their first concert for 2023 in April: Oriana Sings Mozart Vespers and the Music of Ola Gjeilo.
This sublime balance of work by a master composer and a stunning contemporary will premiere at Maleny Community Centre on April 23, then be performed at St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane on April 29 and at Stella Maris School, Maroochydore, on April 30.
The choir will be conducted by Kim Kirkman and accompanied by Oriana artistic director Fay Baker and the Serenity String Quartet.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Vespers is a masterpiece of profoundly expressive and lyrical composition with shining, brilliant baroque allegros.
Mozart wrote the Vespers in Salzburg when he was 24 years old, shortly after his mother had died in Paris.
As with several other compositions from this period, he used this piece to work through his grief, especially apparent in the Laudate Dominum which is described as one of Mozart’s finest tunes.
Also being performed will be a selection of stunning and sublime works by contemporary Norwegian composer, Ola Gjeilo.
Patrons who have enjoyed Oriana’s performances in the past will recognise the composer’s work from the choir’s celebrated productions of Sunrise Mass.
Ola Gjeilo is one of the most frequently performed composers in the choral world.
His emotionally-charged compositions are admired for their hauntingly beautiful melodies and harmonies, moving lyrics and sparkling accompaniments.
“Oriana is so excited to be back for a new year of singing and we’re looking forward to welcoming audiences to this concert series,” Oriana president Melissa Innes said.
“The music is joyful, moving, exhilarating and simply delightful.”
This concert series will be dedicated in memory of late Oriana member, Alan Mackay-Sim.
The 2017 Australian of the Year and a pioneer in biomedical research, was a fellow Oriana singer and dear friend.
For more details and to book your seats for the 2pm Maleny Community Centre event on April 23, 2pm St John’s Cathedral Brisbane concert on April 29 or the 2pm April 30 concert at Stella Maris School, Maroochydore visit: www.oriana.org.au
