The Dream of Gerontius

If you are looking for something of musical interest this upcoming long weekend, read on.  There is a wonderful opportunity to hear one of the less often heard but truly great pieces of the choral repertoire performed by the combined choirs and orchestra of Sydney University and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

On Friday at 6.30pm and on Saturday at 2.00pm, these up and coming musicians will perform Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius in the Verbruggen Hall at the Conservatorium, conducted by Professor Neil McEwan.   This is Elgar’s most acclaimed work, which he inscribed on the tile page “This is the best of me.”  This musical description of one man’s passage from this life to the next is outstanding – rich, varied and imaginative.

There are lots of good reasons to go to one of these concerts.  One is the ticket price – $25.  This is a major work, normally performed only by the most prestigious choirs – you will not get a chance to hear it at this price again.  The second is that the Concertmaster for these concerts is none other than the grandson, Noam, of our Choir Secretary Naomi Roseth.

As I write (Tuesday morning) there are still some tickets left for both performances.  Make sure you do not miss out!