Lux Aeterna from bel a capella
This weekend Bel a capella presents ‘Lux Aeterna’, a clever programme of mostly 20th century gems of choral music.
The repertoire pairs Paul Stanhope’s Lux Aeterna with Elgar’s ethereal work of the same name, and two collections of five songs – Sir Michael Tippett’s rhythmic Five Negro Spirituals and Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs. As well, the choir will perform the Australian premiere of Stephen Paulus’ The Day is Done, music by Eric Whitacre and harking back to the foundations of choral singing – music by Thomas Tallis.
Conducting the concert will be Bel a capella’s Music Director, Anthony Pasquill, a graduate of Leeds University and the University of Northern Texas. Pasquill started his music career as a chorister and clarinettist and is presently Assistant Chorus Master at Sydney Philharmonia Choirs whilst working towards a MMus in Conducting at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He has conducted numerous ensembles and orchestras in Sydney. Pasquill has also been selected to participate in Symphony Australia’s Conductor Development programme, during which time he has studied with conductors Sebastian Lang-Lessing, Christopher Seaman and Ekhehard Stier.
Singing the solo in Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs is baritone Gavin Lockley, composer, graduate of the Sydney Conserrvatorium of Music and recipient of the Centenary of Federation Scholarship which enabled him to pursue his vocal studies in Germany.
Paul Stanhope’s Lux Aeterna was composed in 1999, Elgar’s is a choral setting of ‘Nimrod’ from his Enigma Variations. Both are written for 8 parts. Prolific contemporary American composer Stephen Paulus has written across a variety of genres. His choral music has been recorded and performed by prestigious choirs in the US, amongst them, the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Robert Shaw Festival Singers. The Day is Done is a setting of the poem by Longfellow.
Individual tickets: Adult $30, Senior/Pensioner $25, Student $20
Book at www.whatsonsydney.com or phone (02) 8210 5141.
