What a tease! This Mass by Gounod, his St Cecilia Mass (she is the Patron Saint of Music) really catches us singers unawares much of the time. The notes are largely straightforward. The words – well, they are not the easiest to read in our scores, even though they are familiar. But the expression markings – the pianos and and the fortes and so-on, well, they can be quite unexpected. Every movement starts quietly, even the Gloria. And then most of them move up and down the loudness scale time and time again, often up and down in the space of just a couple of bars. The Sanctus is the most interesting movement. It’s as though we start in the celestial darkness, far away from the throne of the Almighty. We seem to move towards the throne in stages, the light gradually increasing, until there is a burst of light – and accompanying sound – when we finally are ushered into the presence of the Almighty. It’s great theatre – very dramatic – and the music matches the ideas perfectly. I can’t wait to sing it with the orchestra accompanying us!
Oyez! Noteworthy 2nd Edition
Carlos in Columbia! French Connection! Symphony on the Beach! Jim Abraham leads the choir and much more in latest edition. Click here to download.
New Premium Seating!
Magnificat seating!
Magnificent was the audience reaction to the December concert and to the new seating arrangements at the Cardinal Cerretti chapel. Now you can say goodbye to queuing before the performance by booking a Premium Seat. These seats are numbered and can be booked on line.
If you choose a General Admission seat and have special needs, you can take advantage of our courtesy seating. Look out for this sign. These audience members will be given priority seating when the doors open.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Autumn concert.
Carlos Alvarado celebrates 10 years
In April it will be 10 years since Carlos Alvarado was appointed musical director of the Manly-Warringah choir. Ten exciting years during which the choir has made great progress musically. Colombian born Carlos started his musical career as a pianist and later won a scholarship to study in Moscow at the famous Tchaikovsky Conservatorium of Music, where he met his wife Alexandra. He was also awarded a Master of Fine Arts degree in choir conducting
On arrival in Australia he co-founded the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra. In 2012 he was appointed conductor of the Sydney North Chamber Orchestra.
Noteworthy: To read more choir news click here
Noteworthy – A First Edition Sellout!
Noteworthy, the newsletter of Manly Warringah Choir was launched with great success, in January this year. Readers found out more about the choir, its members, supporters and the music that it performs. To read more about our conductor Carlos Alvarado, Soprano May Mckenzie, choir activities and future events click here.
The newsletter will be emailed to our community at regular periods throughout the year.
To receive a copy of future editions of Notewothy click here