“Renewed excitement and gusto,” that’s how Noosa Chorale music director Adrian King describes his singers at rehearsals for the first choir concert in 18 months—’The Spirit of Olympia—Music from the Olympic Games.’
“Because of the pandemic, last year was barren and arid,” he said. “That’s why every singer – without exception – is so pleased that at last we can all come together, make music and sing our hearts out.”
In a glittering gold medal programme the Chorale, with Noosa favourites, Hungarian soprano Judit Molnar and former Ten Tenors’ David Kidd, will perform some of the timeless music and songs from the Olympics since 1896.
Music like Chariots of Fire (related to Paris, 1924), Handel’s The Hallelujah Chorus (Berlin, 1936), “Friends for Life (Jose Carreras and Sarah Brightman, Barcelona 1992), John Lennon’s Imagine (Stevie Wonder, London 1996) and Because We Believe (Andrea Bocelli, Turin 2006) and Jerusalem (London, 2012),
Adrian will also conduct a 33-piece symphony orchestra. And, to add to the excitement of the performance, giant screens on either side of the stage will show rare photographs of historic Olympic moments.
The concert idea is the brainchild of Chorale tenor, Dr Ian Jobling, historian and
international authority on the Olympic Movement. He has researched and helped to uncover with choir members a selection of stirring music which has opened and closed the Modern Games since the first one in Greece.
Also, it was felt the concept was particularly timely as the Olympics are being staged in Tokyo in July and August this year.
The concerts have also attracted the recognition and support of the Australian Olympic Committee. In a special message to the choir, the committee’s CEO Matt Carroll has said, ‘The Chorale’s initiative is certainly promoting the Olympic spirit in a most unique way.’ Tickets now on sale. “The Spirit of Olympia” at the J, May 28 and 29. Price $45. Book now at www.thej.com.au or 5329 6560.
