Five years ago Noosa Chorale performed JS Bach’s Magnificat to a packed and enthusiastic audience at The J Theatre. Now it aims to repeat that success in May by not only presenting the memorable music again but adding two other Magnificats—one by Antonio Vivaldi and the other by Bach’s son, Carl Philip Emmanuel Bach.
Chorale president Fran Wilson said the concerts at the J on May 26 and 27 would also feature a baroque orchestra and five impressively talented Queensland soloists, one of whom was Queensland soprano Annika Hinrichs who sang at the 2018 concert.
“The others include baritone Leon Warnock who has also sung previously with us, soprano Jolanta Kudra, mezzo soprano Morgan Rosati and tenor Sebastian Maclaine. Sebastian is a member of the popular Australian group, The Ten Tenors.”
Fran said there was another connection to The Ten Tenors, this time with the Chorale’s guest conductor, Kim Kirkman who is a former co-owner, music director and performer of the group.
“There are countless hundreds of musical settings of the Magnificat, and a magnificent variety of styles and moods across the choral versions of this work.
“The three chosen by the Chorale are amongst the best known and most frequently performed today.
“They each reveal a variety of moods across the movements, and each makes significant demands of virtuosity from the soloists, choristers, and instrumentalists.”
Fran said singing choral music from the baroque period was challenging and rewarding. The music was often fast-paced and complex, with vocal parts interweaving, and the whole effect is dynamic and emotive.
“We are thrilled to be singing with such talented soloists and orchestra. Working with such professionals really inspires a choir.
“Next year is our thirtieth anniversary of our founding by Noosa barrister Joe McMahon and we have had many blockbuster performances in that time. “Magnificat” in May will be among the best of them.”
“Magnificat,” Noosa Chorale, The J, Friday May 26 at 7pm and Saturday May 27 at 2pm. Tickets $45. On sale at www.thej.com.au or 5329 6560
