During any week the Leisure Centre at Wallace Park, Noosaville, is alive with the sounds of basketball, netball, table tennis, badminton and exercise classes as Noosa folk keep active, healthy—and, for some, age at bay!
On Sunday, May 26, at 2pm, however, there will be a new sound, a sound described as a “musical miracle,” as the largest indoor gathering of singers and musicians ever in Noosa (185 in all) perform Messa da Requiem by Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi.
The gala performance is being produced by Noosa Chorale as part of its 25th anniversary year and president, Gai Ramsay, admits converting the utility interior of the Leisure Centre is a challenge.
“We’re bringing two squads of expert stage construction and sound and lighting engineers from Brisbane. They will move in on the day before the concert and prepare the hall for the performance
“We have 130 singers and the engineers are building a huge, elevated stage four rows high and 25 metres wide. The four soloists and conductor will also be on raised platforms.”
Asked about parking, Gai said there was space for 300 cars at Wallace Park. “There is also parking in nearby streets but we want everyone seated on time so we have arranged a shuttle bus service from Good Shepherd Lutheran College in Eumundi Road where patrons can also park their cars.
“And to make sure that any parking hitches are reduced to a minimum, Coast Guard Noosa volunteers will be on duty at Wallace Park and Good Shepherd.”
Gai said: “This is quite a unique event for Noosa. Usually, our concerts are at The J but with the two choirs, four recognised opera soloists and a 50-piece Requiem Orchestra, it just wasn’t big enough to stage it.
“The good thing is we can fit twice as many people into the Leisure Centre. It’s an extremely expensive production and we’re grateful for the support of a Noosa Council grant and sponsorship from Bendigo Bank.
“This will be an event Noosa will long remember.
“A first for us will be the live broadcast Noosa FM has agreed to do. As well as its Sunshine Coast listeners, it will be streamed on its website across the world.
“Silver anniversaries must be in the air as Noosa FM was also founded 25 years ago as was the Choral Society so its 25th birthday celebrations all round.”
Verdi Requiem, Noosa Leisure Centre, Sunday, May 26 at 2pm. Tickets $35 at www.thej.com.au.
