“The Human Spirit” Reviews, Sept 2023
This performance was recorded live.
Available to enjoy online via Australian Digital Concert Hall.
Reviews
classikON
The subtle splendour of Sydney Chamber Choir
Heidi Hereth | 26 September 2023
It was a positive sign of the continuing creativity of the human spirit to note that all the works in this performance were composed in the 21st century and a delight that many of the composers were in the audience. This was helped by the fact that many of the works had been commissioned by the Sydney Chamber Choir, whose mission includes encouraging Australian composers.
… After a reflective pause, the audience burst into applause, not only for the choir, but for the composers as well. The pianist, Jem Harding, received his own accolades
Sydney Arts Guide
Sydney Chamber Choir: The Human Spirit
David Kary | 24 September 2023
The term ‘chamber’ is a tad understating the group because there are 31 singers accompanied by pianist Jem Harding. The conductor of all these dedicated artists is Sam Allchurch. The Verbrugghen Hall is clearly a big enough ‘chamber’ for these musicians. The Hall’s wonderful acoustics and classical ambience was the perfect setting for this concert.
ArtsHub
Music review: The Human Spirit
Matthew Collins | 27 September 2023
Sydney Chamber Choir’s latest concert was given the theme of ‘the human spirit’ and, in a night of expressive choral work, beckoned the audience to engage in a blend of contemporary works that run the gamut of human emotion and bring to life the spiritual and sacred that lies within us all.
LoudMouth
The Human Spirit - Sydney Chamber Choir
Philip Pogson | 27 September 2023
It is challenging to know where to start when engaging with a choral program as ambitious and broad in its conception as The Human Spirit. The music, inspiration and poetry selected ranged from Latvia to Palestine, from Den Bosch in the Netherlands to Aussie bush poets. Two upcoming Australian female composers were represented in Ella Macens and Elizabeth Younan, the latter providing a world premier in Espoir (Hope). Former Song Company Director, Antony Pitts, made a welcome appearance as a composer and the night wrapped up with Joseph Twist’s inspired setting of eight poems titled An Australian Song Cycle.
… The Amen was glorious, showing off the expanded dynamic range and willingness to push the sound that conductor Sam Allchurch has nurtured since taking over as Artistic Director.
“Hope, joy, serenity, delight, curiosity, courage and tenderness: this concert celebrates the power of the human spirit – and the human voice! – to come together in community. Discover new worlds of musical wonder with a magical Kyrie and spine-tinglingly radiant Gloria by Latvian composer Uģis Prauliņš, Ella Macens’ captivating When the World Closes Its Eyes, Antony Pitts’ exhilarating Credo from his ‘Mass of Unity’ and an exciting new work commissioned from Australian rising star Elizabeth Younan. And experience the full emotional power of choral music with Joe Twist’s An Australian Song Cycle: an unforgettable journey through the landscape of this unique continent.”
Artists
Sydney Chamber Choir
Sam Allchurch
Conductor
Jem Harding
Piano
Program
Ella Macens
When the World Closes its Eyes
Antony Pitts
Credo from Missa Unitatis
Uģis Prauliņš
Kyrie and Gloria from Missa Rigensis
Joe Twist
An Australian Song Cycle
(Video below. Recorded on separate occasions)
Elizabeth Younan
Espoir (World premiere)