Reflective yet inspiring - following the immensely successful concert series, “Dancing Queen” - A Tribute to ABBA and Queen, the Oriana Choir has started rehearsals for its next project. “Reflections” - Songs of Love and Hope, shows the choir in true eclectic mode.

Under the masterful direction of Kim Kirkman and accompanied by the talented Fay Baker, the performances will showcase an eclectic mix of classical, sacred, and modern repertoire taking audiences on a harmonious journey of musical reflection and joy that will uplift and inspire.

Music has a profound healing power

“Music has a profound healing power, soothing the soul, lifting spirits,” Oriana president Melissa Innes said. “Songs can bridge emotional divides with harmonious and therapeutic effects, connecting people across different backgrounds and experiences through shared melodies and messages.”

“Reflections” is going to be a very special concert series. The choir feels very privileged to share this music with the Sunshine Coast hinterland and Gympie communities.”

From celebration to contemplation, from jubilation to meditation, this is a program of beautiful, inspiring, uplifting and encouraging songs. These are songs that will lift your spirit and remind that, yes, there is love and hope to be found, even or especially in such uncertain times as the world finds itself in just now.

Many of the songs in this series will be familiar to long-standing followers of Oriana.

They have appeared in past concert programs, and the choir felt that now would be a very apt time to revisit them.

Variety of styles and moods

There is a tremendous variety of styles and moods in this music – a gospel flavoured arrangement of Bridge Over Troubled Water; the high energy delivery of the traditional spiritual My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord; the exquisite beauty o Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo’s Ecce Novum and Ubi Caritas, and the heart-felt longing of the David-Bacharach classic, What the World Needs Now, to name just a few.

“It’s been some time since Oriana has presented a concert of music whose intent and purpose are not only to entertain, but to comfort, encourage and inspire,” Ms Innes said.

“Reflections” - Songs of Love and Hope, will do good for the soul.”

• Performances will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2pm at St. Patrick’s Church, Gympie, and Sunday, August 18, 2pm at Stella Maris Performance Centre, Maroochydore. For bookings and information, go to www.oriana.org.au.