From modest beginnings at a church hall in Nambour, to the biggest cathedrals in Europe, Oriana Choir has grown in strength and passion across the past 20 years.
From a group of 25 with dreams to create high quality choral music experiences in the wider Sunshine Coast region, the choir has grown to more than 90 members who have performed on the world stage.
It can truly be said that after 20 years, they still shine. Sparkle in fact – with their professionalism and the strength of the voices.
If one needed any demonstration of the veracity of that statement, Oriana’s 20th Anniversary Gala Concert at Venue 114 on a Sunday afternoon provided it in spades.
Before a capacity audience of 600-plus enthusiastic, at times ecstatic, music lovers and loyal Oriana followers, the choir gave one of the most outstanding performances of its 20-year existence.
As Oriana’s president of 20 years Melissa Innes declared: “We could not have dreamed that our Anniversary Concert could be more special, impactful, or magnificent.
“Oriana is so much more than a choir – we are a family of like-minded, passionate musicians who adore sharing our love of music with others.
“We feel privileged to have the opportunity to do so and thank our fans far and wide for their unwavering support over many years.”
Emotions and voices soared – inspired by the emotion-filled accompaniment of pianist Denis Feletto. And the overall performance was underlined by the work of a strong committee – maintaining Oriana’s vision, sense of character and integrity.
In addition there was the inspiring work of Sunshine Coast Oriana Band, led by Scott Gaedtke, and a stunning string quartet led by Daniel Kossov.
With a program of 18 magnificent choral pieces, each of which the choir has presented at various stages of its career to date; and all of which are choir favourites; the audience was treated to one knockout performance after another.
As Elisabeth Wallis-Gaedtke, one of Oriana’s seasoned music directors stated during a rehearsal weeks out from the performance: “This concert is going to be incredibly high energy – because we are delivering one encore after another for over two hours!”
With musical styles ranging from medieval to baroque, jazz to folk, sacred to swing, classical to pop, there really was ‘something for everybody’.
The afternoon was hosted by long-term Oriana patron and Mayor Rosanna Natoli.
The warmth and enthusiasm with which she spoke to the audience, and her witty and engaging commentary, clearly demonstrated the genuine affection that she has for Oriana, with whom she has had an association dating back almost to the very beginning.
Rosanna was joined by Oriana’s other long-standing and loyal patrons, Erle Levey, and Jocelyn Walker – who delivered heartfelt messages of gratitude and support for the role the joy the choir has brought to the Sunshine Coast community, and the world, over many years.
The guiding concept behind the concert was to celebrate Oriana’s triumphant 20 years of delivering high standard choral music to the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
Oriana’s history was illuminated by placing each musical number in the context of when and how it came to be part of the choir’s repertoire.
As a way of highlighting some of its history, Oriana’s past music directors were invited to participate, conducting pieces they had brought to the choir during their tenure. Kim Kirkman was joined by Elisabeth Wallis-Gaedtke, Ben Oxley, Paul Holley, and Andrew Wailes.
Oriana’s founder and 10-year musical director, Daniel Calder, was awarded life membership and guest conducted four triumphant pieces – culminating in the dramatic and impactful Sweeney Todd.
Matthew Collins and Sandra Milliken were unable to be present on the day, so provided video testimonials, projected onto screens and sharing with the audience their emotional and heartfelt memories with the choir.
Special tribute went to Fay Baker OAM, who has been with the choir since 2007; as a chorister, singing coach, conductor, assistant accompanist; and most significantly senior accompanist for many years along with Oriana’s Artistic Director since 2016.
A special ‘finishing touch’ to the afternoon was the invitation to former choir members to come to the stage and join the choir for the finale. This provided an emotional and meaningful moment for all who took part.
The sheer variety of musical genres and styles presented on the day was a dramatic demonstration of just how very versatile and adaptable this wonderful choir really is.
To be able to perform pieces as varied as Mozart, Mendelssohn, Toto’s “Africa”, Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (a marvellous, exhilarating gospel arrangement), Cole Porter’s “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home to”, a medley from “Les Miserables”, “Dancing Queen”; and more, and to present every one with the necessary passion, conviction and authority, is a high achievement indeed.
Such was the audience response to the concert that standing applause was given before interval for the splendid Les Miserables medley.
The audience was even more responsive at the finale, with Bridge Over Troubled Water given a rapturous standing ovation. The song reflected the core of Oriana’s philosophy of performance excellence through passion, commitment, and a strong sense of community.
This led to an encore of the glorious Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah with the audience joining in.
The performance was virtually unanimously one of delight, and total enjoyment.
A sample of comments from patrons during the interval, and after the concert, tells the story:
“I was mesmerised! The energy was amazing. The voices together were incredible. They are absolutely tops.”
“I thought it was extremely impressive, extremely professional, very well done. And it was enjoyable because they were enjoying it.”
“We were absolutely blown away; it was so beautiful. We don’t need champagne. This is so exhilarating.”
“It was world class. I could have been at the Sydney Opera House, or in Paris or New York. Thank you so much for bringing joy to people on the Sunshine Coast.”
“Simply glorious.”
Oriana has come a long way from its quiet, unassuming beginning two decades ago.
A small but significant few original members remain. And many can remember their very first performance all those years ago.
Those in the audience for the Sunday afternoon gala concert would all agree that they witnessed something very special.
They saw, and heard, the polished result of 20 years of passionate dedication to the pursuit of excellence and beauty, all achieved by a group of people united in friendship and family spirit.
After 20 years, and new members joining the choir all the time, there is plenty more shine left in Oriana.
There are the Christmas Carols to look forward to at the following locations:
Saturday, 13 December – Noosa’s Reed & Co present their annual The Carol Cruise, enjoyed from the banks of Noosa River;
Saturday, 20 December – Christmas Carols at IGA Forest Glen, 10am-12pm;
Thursday, 18 – Wednesday, 24 December – Sofitel Noosa Pacific presents Oriana in Hastings Street, each evening from 5:30pm.
LOOKING AHEAD
Oriana Choir’s program for 2026 kicks off with Pop Royalty, a celebration of the Kings and Queens of pop over the years, at Matthew Flinders Performance Centre, Buderim, on 22 March and at The J in Noosa Junction on 28 March.
