The J will be a wonderland of doves, candles, a sparkling Christmas tree and other festive decor when Noosa Chorale brings its Peace and Joy concert on December 13 and 14.
The choir is presenting a program of carols and songs from faraway places and revellers in the audience who love to sing-a-along will join in with eternal favourites like Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Good King Wenceslas.
For many Noosa people, the Chorale’s Christmas Cheer concerts are the official start to the festive season but for two choir singers it begins weeks earlier.
They are Jenny Jackson and Bronwyn Innes who in recent years have been bringing their considerable artistic and crafting talents to transforming The J into a delight of colour, beauty and fun.
They were cutting out paper doves when Noosa Today spoke to them.
“The music has been chosen by Paige Allen, who sings with us in the sopranos, and captures beautifully the message of peace and joy,” said Jenny.
“When we heard the music selection it, we felt it it was so sensitive, reflective and full of goodwill that doves and candles should be the symbols.”
The choir will perform carols from Norway, Sweden, the US and the UK From Sweden, comes the gentle Jul, Jul, Strålande Jul, with its message of the eternal yearning for light and peace. and from Norway the gentle, lyrical setting of composer Ola Gjeilo’s Ecce Novum reflects the wonder of the Christmas story.
Also, from the northern hemisphere, where winter inspires people to seek the light, composer Jacob Narverud brings us his heartwarming melodic style with Season of Light.
Good cheer and toe-tapping good times come alive in Holiday Tango by Greg Gilpin, and even The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky is borrowed in a unique way.
This is the 17th year of the Chorale’s Christmas concerts and the first by Ten Tenors’ founder Kim Kirkman who has been guest conductor this year and has now accepted an invitation by the Chorale to be its music director next year. Kim has woven several inspiring solo interludes into this year’s Christmas feast.
Said Jenny: “We want concertgoers to have a wonderful feeling of peace and enjoy themselves. After all, Christmas is a joyful celebration and hope for the future year.”
Added Bronwyn: “The concert won’t disappoint. There is some fun music and we want people to leave the theatre smiling and knowing they had a good time.”
Noosa Chorale Joy and Peace at The J Theatre. Friday December 13 at 7pm, and Saturday December 14 at 2pm. Tickets $48. Bookings: thej.com.au or phone 07 5329 6560
