The enduring appeal of Northern Europe is best represented by the music it inspires, which has become central to the modern choral repertoire. Inspired by the Northern Lights and bracing arctic air, contemporary composers like Arvo Part and Peteris Vasks have reimagined choral music for the twenty-first century.
Bringing to life the exquisite possibilities of a young and vibrant choir, Pärt's Morning Star is the centre piece of the Nordic Songs repertoire, showcasing the unique style of Northern European music which has entranced audiences the world over. Bookended by works from Praulinš, Sandström and Vasks, Nordic Songs combines a wide range of colours, textures and effects including polyphony, minimalism and rock, to transport audiences to the wilds of Northern Europe.
Musical Director of the VOX Choir, Elizabeth Scott says "This program celebrates the beauty and the power of the human voice, the talent and promise of youth and both the simplicity and complexity of a cappella choral music. Showcasing composers from Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, the music explores the raw power and extreme delicacy of the most precious of instruments - the voice."
Full of shimmering works that demonstrate the virtuosity of the young voices of VOX, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' brilliant young adult choir, Nordic Songs is an alluring, evocative and ecstatic, tour through the North.
About the choir
VOX, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' choir specifically designed for singers aged 18-30, brings together the talents of Sydney's young choristers, under the effervescent leadership of Music Director, Elizabeth Scott. At the helm since 2008, Elizabeth brings her experience as Music Performance Projects Officer for The Arts Unit and conductor of the NSW Public School Singers and the Schools Spectacular, to the fore in her work with VOX. Encouraging aspiring choristers to explore their full potential the choir, under her leadership, delivers a vocal prowess that is both exciting and inspiring.
Performing programs of classical, popular, and contemporary works, VOX's repertoire is the most innovative, experimental, and modern of all SPC choirs. Playing on the youthfulness of its members, VOX pushes the boundaries of what is expected of choral music, working with ARIA award-winning composer and pianist Sally Whitwell, appearing at the World Netball Championships and in the Video Games concerts at the Enmore Theatre. The choir has also partnered with Festival Chorus to perform at A Concert for Peace in 2015, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for Danny Elfman Music from the Films of Tim Burton.
When: Saturday 23 September, 8pm | Sunday 24 September, 12pm
Where: St Mary's Cathedral Crypt
Tickets: $30-$60 plus booking fees
Available online at purchase.tickets.com.
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