Oriana Choir’s ‘Reflections’ Concert Earns Standing Ovation
Review by Erle Levey
The acclaimed Oriana Choir's recent presentation ofReflections: Songs of Love and Hopeat Maroochydore’s Stella Maris Performance Centre was widely applauded.
The concert of beautiful, uplifting, often thrilling music was a program of songs ancient and modern, sacred and secular, meditative and stirring.
The works were all performed with Oriana’s characteristic warmth, professionalism and dedication to excellence.
Conducted with much energy and charisma by the inimitable Kim Kirkman; accompanied by the sublimely gifted Fay Baker, OAM; and with delightful contributions from tenor Tobias Merz; Oriana brought a rich and varied assortment of songs, reflecting on many aspects of Love and Hope, to a very receptive, appreciative and enthusiastic audience.
The concert opened with Festival Sanctus – a modern and uplifting setting of the traditional Latin hymn of praise to God – and continued with a succession of songs that were at times stirring (My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord); pensive (Ubi Caritas – where charity and love are, God is there); heart-rending (Even When He is Silent, Prayer of the Children); joyous (Sway); and simply beautiful (Ave Maria, The Cloths of Heaven).
Highlights included a lovely rendition of The Lord Is My Shepherd, as featured in the much-loved The Vicar of Dibley; an achingly beautiful a cappella performance by the ladies, of Billy Joel’s Lullabye; Sure on This Shining Night) which is as near a perfect ‘art song’ as one could wish for; and a thrilling, rousing, gospel interpretation of Paul Simon’s masterpiece, Bridge Over Troubled Water.
The concert concluded, most aptly, with What the World Needs Now, eliciting a standing ovation from the delighted audience. One particularly appreciative patron later wrote a letter of thanks to the Choir. Some of her comments are representative of things said by many audience members after the concert:
“This afternoon’s performance took us on a journey of the soul and touched our hearts deeply. What powerful performances!
You glowed with soulful beauty. Congratulations on your excellence in presentation and performance.”
St Patrick’s Church is very much a favoured performance venue for Oriana. Having presented concerts there on several occasions, the choir have come to love its atmosphere and ambience. There is a sense of peace and tranquility; its gentle, natural lighting is unique; and there is an undeniable feeling of welcome.
Oriana would like to extend a warm and sincere “Thank you” to its Gympie patrons. There is a sense of a real connection having been established over the years since the choir first sang in St. Patrick’s.
The Choir would love to see that connection develop and grow, and looks forward very much to the next opportunity to perform in this beautiful building.
Oriana’s next project is a concert presenting two of John Rutter’s loveliest works – his Requiem and Magnificat. These delightful choral works will be presented at Maleny State Primary School, and Stella Maris Performance Centre, on November 16 and 17 respectively. Oriana would be thrilled to see Blackall Range and Sunshine Coast patrons attending this very special concert.