In March 2007 Noosa Chorale’s newly appointed music director Adrian King, the then choir president John Woodlock, and the writer met Chorale founder, former Noosa barrister, Joe McMahon, at Joe’s office at Noosa Civic to discuss some fundraising ideas.
Before the meeting started, Joe casually remarked to Adrian, “I’ve always liked Carmina Burana.”
“Yes,” said Adrian. “It’s a dramatic and passionate piece.”
“Can you do it?” asked Joe.
“I’ve done it in England. I’ve always liked doing it.” Adrian said.
The choir duly performed it in 2008 and reviewer Marguerite Webber called it “a musical triumph. Carl Orff’s music is mostly fast and loud, vigorous and energetic, making this one of the most popular works of the 20th century. Its exciting rhythmic drive and passion make an instant impact.”
Fifteen years later the wheel has turned full circle. Adrian (72) has informed the Chorale he will retire at the end of the year and as a final gesture to the classics he has selected Carmina Burana.
He will still conduct the Chorale’s Christmas carol concerts in December but the performance of Carmina later this month with the choir will be performed in tandem with the Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra (SCSO) and the Sunshine Coast Choral Society (SCCS), both of which he is also music director.
Joining the choral section written for the ragazzi, or children’s choir, are students from Sunshine Beach State School led by vocal teacher Andrew Burns who is also president of SCCS.
Adrian told Noosa Today, “I first conducted Orff’s supreme masterpiece Carmina Burana in the UK many years ago now, and it is such a dynamic and powerful piece, highlighting soloists, three choirs and all the sections of the large symphonic orchestra.
“The fact that it is one of my last concerts and the 50th anniversary of the SCSO makes it an ideal and fantastic piece to programme.
“And I should add that included in the programme is the evocative 1920s’ jazz-infused sounds of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue played by a great friend and colleague Theodore Pike.
“Who could ask for more!”
Adrian was 19 when he conducted his first choir in England, and I asked his why he was calling a halt to a career as a distinguished conductor of choirs and orchestras and a greatly respected musician.
He said, “For the very simple reason of travel! Helen and I came to Australia to be with our daughters Louise and Sarah and our grandchildren. Apart from occasional weekends in Sydney and Melbourne we have not seen Australia.
“Consequently, we intend to travel extensively, not only in this country but also the UK and Europe.”
Carmina and Rhapsody. September 10 at 2pm. Venue 114, Bokarina. September 17 at 2pm. St Andrew’s College, Peregian Springs. Tickets, $40, concession $35, students $10.
Buy online at sunshinecoastsymphonyorchestra.com
(Jim Fagan is the author of Noosa Sings—the first 15 years of Noosa Chorale.
