Timeless Christmas carols and festive songs from faraway places—that’s what Noosa Chorale and guest conductor Guillaume Lemay-Yates have lined up for its annual Christmas Cheer at the J this month.
It’s been 16 years since the Chorale’s former music director Adrian King and his wife Helen introduced the idea of a concert with a party atmosphere complete with audience sing-a-longs.
Since then, Chorale fans have made clear by their wholehearted support that they love the concerts, many saying it is their official start to Christmas.
According to Chorale president, Fran Wilson, some of the carols and songs this year are new to the choir and probably to the audience.
“Guest conductor Guillaume is multi-lingual and it was his suggestion to perform items from places like South America, Estonia and Germany.
“The Argentinian, El Cielo Canta Alegria, (Heaven is singing for joy) just crackles with energy and devotion and from Estonia we have Ule Lume Lagedale (Over Snowy Winter Roads), a Christmas melody which reflects the happiness of the season.
“Another traditional Estonian Christmas song is Uisutamas which describes the pleasure of skating.”
Fran said the choir would also perform well-known carols in German and Latin but the audience would have more traditional ones in English like O Come All Ye faithful, The First Noel and Silent Night.
“It’s been a lot of fun practising carols in different languages. We’re looking forward to singing them and the audience joining in when it’s their turn,” she said.
Christmas Chorale at The J, Noosa Junction, Friday 15 December at 7pm and Saturday 16 December at 2pm. Tickets $42, student/child $30. Bookings 5329 6560 or thej.com.au
