By Jim Fagan
It is 1896 and you are in Athens sitting on a marble seat in the Olympic Stadium listening to the Hymn of the Olympics-;the opening music of the first-ever Modern Games.
Fast forward 125 years and this time you are sitting in the J Theatre listening to Noosa Chorale sing the same inspirational hymn as it opens its gold medal concert of songs and music – spectacular music which has thrilled spectators and athletes alike at the Olympics ever since.
Music like The Messiah’s Hallelujah Chorus (Berlin 1936), Friends for Life (Jose Carreras and Sarah Brightman, Barcelona 1992), John Lennon’s Imagine (Stevie Wonder, London 1996) and Because We Believe (Andrea Bocelli, Turin 2006).
And the Chorale has invited two of Noosa audiences’ favourite soloists — Hungarian soprano Judit Molnar and former Ten Tenors’ David Kidd to perform with it and sing this timeless music and song.
The choir and the 33-piece Olympic Orchestra will be conducted by Chorale music director Adrian King who has promised a very special concert in which everyone’s senses will be “stirred and enthused and one which I sincerely hope will stay in the memories of the performers and audience alike for a long time to come.”
Adrian told Noosa Today that after a concert-less year because of the pandemic the singers had returned with a real eagerness to perform.
“Every singer – without exception – is so pleased that at last we can all come together, make music.
To add to the excitement of the evening, giant screens on either side of the stage will show rare photographs of historic Olympic moments.
As it is the perfect prelude to the Tokyo Olympic Games in July and August, tickets for this original gala event – understood to be a first for Australia—are selling quickly.
The concerts are endorsed by the Australian Olympic Committee. In a special message, its CEO Matt Carroll says, “The Chorale’s initiative is certainly promoting the Olympic spirit in a most unique way.”
And at the invitation of the Chorale, Olympic swimming legend Dawn Fraser MBE AC OLY has agreed to be its Ambassador for the concerts and will make a guest appearance on stage.
Tickets now on sale. “The Spirit of Olympia” at the J, Noosa junction, Friday, May 28, 7pm, and Saturday, May 29, 2pm. Price $45. Phone (07) 5329 6560 or online www.thej.com.au
