Holiday harmony for carols’ return

THE town’s longest-running choral group is set to ring in the holiday season for the first time in three years.

On Saturday, 19 November, the Bendigo Chorale will deck the halls of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral with festive songs as part of their annual Christmas with the Chorale concert.

“It has been a long time. We had our previous concert in May which had a full crowd. It’s given us confidence that we’re back on and running again,” said choir president David Wright.

“It’ll be a very enjoyable concert on the twilight of Christmas holidays. We’ve got some beautiful harmonies which just makes it a joy for all music lovers.

“We’ll feature pieces like Gloria, the Bach Chorale, some Australian works by Colin Brumby, some French carols and Under the Stars.”

The concert will feature a four-part chorus of 30 conducted by Elena Varshavskya and piano accompaniment from Melbourne-based Rosa Hwang.

Audience participation will be encouraged for songs like O Come, All Ye Faithful and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

Wright said the group is eager to start Christmas early.

“We’re getting in early to be the first to herald in the advent season,” he said.

“My personal favourite song we do is the Bach Chorale. The quality on display for that one is really quite outstanding. I’m sure the audience will appreciate it.

“We’ve got about 18 bass and tenor vocalists and then our alto and sopranos, so it’s a nice round sound.”

Tickets can be booked at bit.ly/3swzsdC and cost $25 general and $15 for students while children under 12 enter free.