Oriana Choir’s presentation of work celebrating the elegance, passion and rich musical heritage of France at Saint Patrick’s Church deservedly earned a spontaneous standing ovation.
Under artistic director and conductor Kim Kirkman, the program for The French Connection ranged from the harmonies of Faure to the impressionistic beauty of Debussy.
The works brought to life the charm of Parisian streets, the serenity of ancient cathedrals and the vibrant spirit of French artistry.
Accompanied by a string orchestra comprising the Sinfonia of St Andrews and Sunshine Coast members, together with piano and organ featuring Annabelle Clucas, the performance presented an afternoon of both emotional depths and exquisite musical craftsmanship.
The 40-strong Oriana Choir was joined by talented feature solo performers, including guest artist Daniel Smerdon, together with Oriana‘s own soloists Gabrielle Deschamps, Vanessa Smith, Elisabeth Wallis Gaedtke and Sarah Laws.
The unsung star of the afternoon was St Patrick’s church – its acoustics together with charming timber ceiling providing one of the best spaces for choral work the choir could wish for.
Kim Kirkman considered St Patrick’s to have among the best acoustics he has had the privilege to work in.
Oriana president Melissa Innes said each and every member of the choir considers it a pleasure to perform at such a venue, and one at which they are so warmly welcomed and appreciated.
“Each time Oriana has a programmed performance in St Patrick’s Church, our singers look forward to it in great anticipation.
“Singing in this venue invokes magical memories of all the magnificent cathedrals the choir has performed in throughout Europe, the UK and Wales – the acoustic is that good.
“The beautiful high wooden beams of the vault, the glass-stained windows and ethereal ambience coupled with the warmth of the Gympie audience’s welcome and standing ovations – bring Oriana back to Gympie time and time again. We cannot wait to return!”
The concert was the culmination of the choir having spent several months of intense, and intensive, learning and rehearsing of a repertoire in which there was not one word of English.
To many of the choristers, having to learn, not only how to correctly pronounce the French lyrics, but also to give them the correct inflexion, and to sing them with the same high level of musicality that they have brought to every other Oriana project through the years, represented a huge, and somewhat daunting challenge.
However, Oriana Choir has a well-earned reputation for aspiring to excellence and The French Connection proved to be no exception.
A season that started with some concern as to whether such a seemingly esoteric program would have broad appeal concluded on a high note with the unanimous feeling within the choir that they had experienced something special and wonderful. And that feeling was shared with their audience.
Starting the program was the Agnus dei from 14th century composer Guillaume de Machaut’s Messe de Nostre Dame … the first mass to be presented at the landmark Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Highlights included Habenera from Carmen featuring mezzo Soprano Gabrielle Deschamps, sous Le dome epais (Flower duet) by Delibes, with soprano Elisabeth Wallis Gaedtke and mezzo soprano Sarah laws.
Daniel Smerdon’s rich baritone voice projected beautifully through Saint Patrick’s – first with Ah Chloris by Hahn, then La Mer (The Sea) by Trenet – made famous by French vocalist Maurice Chevalier, and more recently was featured in the movie Finding Nemo.
Trois Chansons by Debussy saw the quartet of soprano Melissa Innes, alto Sarah laws, tenor Bruce tasker, and bass Ian Rix lead the choir in the third song about Winter.
The second half of the program was devoted to an exquisite rendition of Requiem by Faure that featured solo performances by Vanessa Smith and Daniel Smerdon.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Oriana Choir and will feature a gala concert on November 2 at Venue 114, Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina.
Oriana singers past and present will present an unforgettable afternoon with music memories and the magic of this special milestone event.
It will feature a handpicked selection of choir and audience favourites from the past two decades to provide an uplifting retrospective of the songs that have defined the Choir’s journey.
Special guest will include key figures who have shaped the choir’s musical legacy.
Artistic director Kim Kirkman will be joined by special guest conductors to celebrate the power of community and song.
The afternoon promises to be a choral celebration that has been two decades in the making.
