Jazzing with class on winter nights

Renowned arranger Naomi Crellin takes centre stage as the guest director of Sydney Chamber Choir’s latest show, Winter Nights. Breaking away from the traditional perception of choirs singing only church music, Crellin infuses a warm, seductive, and secular ambiance into the evening’s performances. Winter Nights presents a captivating blend of beautiful balladry and melodies, featuring works by French cabaret legends Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel, as well as compositions by Debussy, Ravel, and Poulenc.

Crellin shared her excitement about the content of Winter Nights, describing it as “a distinctly French affair – with timeless ballads by cabaret legends Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel and irresistible flights of fancy from Debussy and Ravel.” She also mentioned that guest singer, Jo Lawry will be performing Sting’s “La belle dame sans regrets” in a call-and-response format with the choir, which she described as “amazing.”

Directing a classical choir in a jazz-inspired cabaret setting posed unique challenges for Crellin. She acknowledged the delicate task of arranging contemporary jazz repertoire for a classical choir, requiring a careful balance of simplicity and complexity while retaining the essence of the songs.

“One of the biggest challenges is getting the choir to sing differently than what they’re used to,” she explained. However, her experience arranging for The Idea of North, an acclaimed contemporary a cappella group, equipped her with the instincts needed to seamlessly merge the two worlds.

Reflecting on her journey from classical pianist to jazz arranger, Crellin shared her initial struggles and emphasized the importance of embracing one’s true passions. Her pivot to jazz began with a humbling audition and led to immersive experiences that allowed her to break free from the rigid constraints of classical music.

Drawing inspiration from her own path, she encouraged the Sydney Chamber Choir to relax and embrace the syncopated rhythms of the jazz-inspired repertoire, resulting in increased engagement and enjoyment.

Crellin described her vision for Winter Nights is to create a French Impressionistic atmosphere that evokes a soft-edged, reflective mood abundant with the colors of dusk. She highlighted the unique experience of enjoying this twentieth-century music in a cabaret setting, inviting the audience to be swept away by the warm mood with a glass of red wine.

“Audiences can expect an atmosphere that we haven’t previously done in the Sydney Chamber Choir,” she explained. The show breaks the mould of the usual classical choral concert by recreating the Jazz Cabaret Club vibe, complete with cabaret seating, drinking at the tables, and a jazz trio performing before and after the show.

Crellin offered advice to aspiring artists looking to embark on a similar path. She encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones, shed preconceptions, and embrace curiosity and playfulness. By combining existing strengths with new parameters, artists can create unique and compelling works that bridge different genres and captivate audiences.

“Assume that it’s going to feel very hard at the beginning,” she advised, noting that stepping outside of comfort zones is where most learning occurs.

Sydney Chamber Choir’s Winter Nights promises to be an enchanting evening of music that defies conventions, blending the timeless beauty of French cabaret melodies with the sophistication of classical choral arrangements. With Naomi Crellin at the helm, audiences can expect a mesmerizing cabaret experience that showcases the choir’s versatility and the transformative power of music.

June 24, 5pm & 7:30pm

The Neilson, ACO Pier 2/3 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay

www.sydneychamberchoir.org