Bendigo Chorale to stage homage to Songs of the Isles

CHOIR music enthusiasts are in for a rare treat this coming Sunday when Bendigo Chorale comes together with the Glen Eira City Choir to present Songs of the Isles, a tribute to the music of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

The production will be conducted by Elena Vashavskaya, a graduate of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory with Honours in Choral Conducting in 2002, with the 60 to 70 vocalists to be supported by a small instrumental ensemble comprising French horn, oboe, harp, cello, recorder, flute, percussion and piano.

Chorale committee and choir member Jan Donnelly said attendees can look forward to hearing a wide range of material on the day.

“There’s a bit of something for everybody,” she said.

“It encompasses a (broad) period of time – we’re talking about music from the 16th century right through to the present.

“You’ll hear early madrigals, some quite simple folk melodies, right through the powerful oratorio.

“You’ll (also) hear some terrific 20th century compositions, especially from Carl Jenkins. I love his music. Personally, I think it’s fabulous.

“It’ll be a beautiful afternoon of lovely music and we’d just love to have a good audience come along and enjoy it.”

Songs of the Isles takes place at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Myers Street, central Bendigo, from 2.30pm this Sunday.

Tickets are available viaboxoffice.gotix.com.auor on the door.

The same concert featuring the combined choirs will also be replicated on Saturday 14 June at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Brighton.