Music is essential in our lives. Throughout history the great singers and songwriters have provided the soundtrack: The poignant moments, the eras of love, struggle, loss and achievement.
These emotions have all been accompanied by some smashing songs and hits that leap to the forefront of our memory for each moment.
They are songs that have helped form who we are. Songs we have done homework to, that we have danced to, enjoyed as themes for movies.
This is what Oriana Choir is honouring this month in concerts at Buderim’s Matthew Flinders Performance Centre and at The J in Noosa Heads.
“Our Pop Royalty concert is a tribute,” Oriana president Melissa Innes said. “It’s an opportunity to show gratitude to those incredibly talented artists who influence our world in such meaningful, beautiful, thoughtful ways.
“This concert is a giant ‘thank you’ for the music – to so many talented solo artists.
“The selection of music goes beyond the singer and explores the understanding of what their songs meant to them – how it impacted their lives.
“As a result it will get you out of your seats. dancing, swaying and singing along.
“Be prepared for another musical ‘first’ from Oriana as part of the program. It is something we have not incorporated into our concerts in the past but will surely excite audiences.”
The program showcases some of the greatest songs from the world of popular music over the past 70 years. From Nat King Cole to Lady Gaga, and including such pop icons as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tina Turner, John Farnham, Aretha Franklin, Sting and Ed Sheeran, to name just a few.
The songs that have been chosen, and the artists who gave them ‘household word’ status around the world, offer enjoyment for all ages.
“It’s been a genuine joy to revisit much loved favourite songs, and to learn new ones,” Melissa Innes said. “The choir members have been thrilled at discovering how wonderful they are, and then giving them all the Oriana magic.”
Oriana is accompanied by a magnificent band, led by the multi-talented Scott Gaedtke, with the whole program directed and conducted by Elisabeth Wallis Gaedtke, whose leadership and guidance has been absolutely inspirational.
There will be more than a dozen choral arrangements; a special offering by the Sunshine Coast Youth Choir; and a generous helping of some great solo performances – listen out for Adele, David Bowie, Paul Kelly, Don McLean and more.
Following Dancing Queen from 2024, and last year’s The Piano Men, the tribute to Pop Royalty will have audiences rocking, rolling, singing, swaying, clapping, finger-snapping, grooving and jiving.
Pop Royalty: A Tribute to the Kings and Queens of Popular Music
Performances: Sunday, 22 March, 2pm – Matthew Flinders Performance Centre, Buderim.
Saturday, 28 March, 1.30pm and 7.30pm – The J, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads.
For bookings and information, go to www.oriana.org.au
