Get into the spirit at angelic concert
With another Christmas just weeks away it’s time to get in the spirit of the season, and nothing beats a hearty bout of carol singing to provide the soundtrack.
Following sell-out concerts each year for the past four years, the acclaimed Sydney Children’s Choir and Gondwana Voices, which include young singers from all over Australia, return to City Recital Hall Angel Place for a 5th season to present the much-loved Christmas concert, Voices of Angels.
One of those angelic voices will again be that of 16-year-old Bellevue Hill resident AJ America who has been singing with the Sydney Children’s Choir since 2006 and joined Gondwana Voices in 2009. The choirs have built a worldwide reputation for choral excellence.
“I have been performing at Voices of Angels since its very first season. I am always very excited about the performance – there is a great energy in the group and it’s also a place to make great friends,” she said.
“This year’s concert is going to present a nice mix. There’s consistency in the songs we perform but every year we try to bring something new to the performance.”
Among the new highlights this year is the world premiere of a newly-commissioned work by Sydney Children’s Choir 2010 composer-in-residence Ben van Tienen, and a solo performance from one of Australia’s foremost cellists, Julian Smiles.
This fresh Australian music will complement a selection of traditional Christmas carols, under the direction of conductor Lyn Williams and accompanied by a chamber orchestra that includes some of Sydney’s finest professional musicians.
Williams, also the Gondwana Choir’s artistic director and founder, said that over the years these concerts had become favourites with Australian audiences.
“We’re sure this year’s concerts will again leave our audiences inspired and uplifted at the start of the festive season,” she said.
Voices of Angels will be at City Recital Hall Angel Place for two concerts only on December 15 and 16 at 7pm.
– By Francesco Battaini
