Chorale chimes in on a classic

THE much-loved Noosa Chorale will take on a classic when an acclaimed conductor joins the ranks.
Adrian King will conduct the chorale as they perform the Rossini masterpiece known in English as The Little Mass, on Saturday 28 May.
This piece brings back memories for Mr King as he remembers singing the tenor line in the chorus at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama as a young student and later conducting it with the Grimsby Philharmonic Society.
“I can remember being astonished at the way the music ranged from a hushed lyrical intensity to an animated flamboyance with lots of memorable tunes and rhythmic vitality for which Rossini has become justly famous,” Mr King said.
“This romantic Rossini is neither petite (small) nor solennelle (solemn) as in the classical style of Haydn, Mozart and Schubert.
“Instead, it has a stimulating musical flavour, reminiscent of opera arias or ensemble numbers, but these are carefully constructed and moulded by Rossini to perfectly suit the religious text.”
The concert will feature the 70-strong chorale members plus seven outstanding vocal and instrumental soloists including tenor David Kidd, who is a familiar face and voice for many as a result of his Ten Tenors and Opera Queensland performances.
As well, winner of the prestigious Australian International Awards and the Ruskin Opera Scholarship Panayiota Kalatzis and graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music Samuel Piper, plus award winning mezzo-soprano Anastasia Bickell will also take to the stage.
Mr King said The Little Mass was often performed with an orchestra, but Rossini wrote it for two pianos and a harmonium and this is the orchestration he has selected for this concert.
“On two grand pianos we have Natasha Koch and Janet Brewer and on harmonium, Huguette Brassine. They are well known to Noosa audiences for their inspired playing at concerts and events,” Mr King said.
This is a masterpiece not to be missed. Join the Noosa Chorale at The J, Noosa Junction, Saturday 28 May, at 2pm. Tickets are $35 and available by calling 5329 6560 or visit www.thej.com.au