Thats how we ended up with the question last night – “why do we have a B double flat rather than just writing an A when they are really the same thing?”

There were several explantions mostly centred around the notion that there isn’t an A in the key we were singing …
though I’m not sure any of the luminaries could actually tell us what key that was!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words so I offer you this illustration (with many thanks to Margaret Duncan).  Once I had seen this it was suddenly all clear.

Autumn Leaves    7:30pm Saturday 5th May

Cardinal Cerretti Chapel, Darley Road, Manly

Schubert: Mass in E Flat Major

Schubert: Unfinished Symphony

Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major
Soloist Anthony Aarons

Download Concert Flyer

Click here for tickets or call Naomi on 9953 2443

Anthony has been a soloist with The English Soloists Ensemble, London Festival Orchestra, Prague Philharmonic, London Philharmonic and The Royal Philharmonic.  He has performed in almost every major concert hall around the globe under conductors  Bernard Heitink, Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Neville Marriner and collaborated with some of Europe’s most celebrated musicians and composers.

He has recorded with the Griffin and NMC labels.  His broadcasts include the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, WFCR Boston and Classic FM.

Anthony is passionate about contemporary music, but is looking forward to playing one of the most popular trumpet classics for our May concert.

Click here for tickets or call Naomi on 9953 2443

Much has changed …

Dr Steve Watson had been our conductor for several years;
The orchestra was very different;
Many choristers are no longer with the choir;
Joe Micali was president.

But there is a reassuring constancy in our tradition …

There are still familiar names in each section -  Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses;
The venue for our concert is still the iconic Cardinal Cerretti Chapel; and
Angela is still our incomparable rehearsal pianist and basoonist (no excuses Angela – you have played it before!).

.

See what names you can recognise below:

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

And the concert programme looked a little different.  This time around we are saving Rutter for our mid-year concert

Schubert: Mass in E Flat Major

Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major
Soloist Anthony Aarons

Click here for tickets or call Naomi on 9953 2443

How to get to Cardinal Cerretti Chapel

Download concert flyer

.

I can only load very short clips onto this website because of a limit on the file size, but we are investigating whether we can use some longer clips on youtube.  In the meantime here are the short excerpts.

These clips currently only work with Quicktime or a Quicktime plugin to your other media player.  Working on it

And The Glory

For Unto Us

All We Like Sheep

Hallelujah Chorus

“Quite the most engaging Messiah I have heard in 70 years!”

“Such a great performance!  And without the hassle of going to the City!”

These comments are representative of the feedback we have received from members of the audience at last weekend’s performances of Messiah.  It’s great to have taken part in concerts where the audience reaction is so positive.  It reflects very well on ourselves as a Choir, on the soloists, on the orchestra, and of course on the guy who pulls all the strands together, our conductor, Carlos.

So, many thanks to everyone who contributed to the success.  To Bryony, Anna, Pascal and Alexander, who captivated the audience with their powerful yet sensitive solo singing.  To Alexandra, for leading the orchestra which played so well, and to Anthony for his fabulous trumpet solo.  To Carlos, for sharing his vision of the words and music with performers and audience alike, making for an intense musical experience.  Thank you all.

And thanks too to the many unsung heroes of the Choir, who, together with many friends and family members, worked behind the scenes to ensure that the performances went off without a hitch.  Your efforts are much appreciated.

Now it’s over, we can relax in the run up to Christmas.  Hallelujah!

This is an event for all the family with festive music and a visit by Santa. There are popular carols - Hark the Herald; Joy to the world; Silent Night etc. – and some choir favourites – Vivaldi’s Gloria and the Hallelujah Chorus.

Christmas Choral Concert - Thursday 8 December
MANLY OVAL (cnr Raglan and Belgrave Street)
Gates open 5:30pm (Choir due earlier) Program 6.30pm – 8.30pm

To register and take part please phone (02) 9976 1749.

Enjoy the singing, and a merry Christmas to you all.