Thank you to the twenty or so members of the Choir who joined the chorus for the Manly Choral Concert last Thursday. Our contribution really helped to ensure a full sound, especially in the Vivaldi Gloria and the Hallelujah Chorus. There may not have been as many people there as in previous years, but the weather was probably somewhat discouraging to many. I must admit that singing the Hallelujah chorus outside in the rain and to the accompaniment of fireworks was quite a new experience for me!
Hallelujah!
“So uplifting! What a wonderful way to spend a dreary Sunday afternoon!”
“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!
Manly Carols – December 2011
Calling all Choristers! We are warmly encouraging all choir members to take part in this year’s carol concert at the Manly Oval. This is only a few days after our choir performance of Handel’s Messiah and a great way to finish the year.
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.
Bryony Dwyer – soprano with a surprise
Bryony Dwyer joins us again as our soprano soloist for Messiah.
Bryony has been busy since her last concert with us, winning the prestigious 2011 Sydney Eisteddfod’s Opera and Arts Support Group Vocal Scholarship.
She has also performed the role of Emmeline in Purcell’s King Arthur and Sandrina in Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera for the Sydney Conservatorium and The Fox in Janaček’s The Cunning Little Vixen for Sydney Chamber Opera.
We can also look forward to seeing her in the Opera Australia Chorus in the New Year in performances of Turandot and the lavish performance of La Traviata on the new floating stage at the Domain.
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We know she is a fabulous singer with a great career ahead of her, so why did Able Seaman Bryony Dwyer join the Navy?
There are no seafaring connections in her family – they are in the medical world – but when a friend told her there was an opening in the Royal Australian Navy Band she jumped at the chance.
As a reserve member of the RAN Band, Bryony can be sent to sea (as a musician) – she has had a couple of last minute cancellations, and sounds a little disappointed to have missed out.
Her work with the Royal Australian Navy Band is mainly ceremonial, performing for occasions of remembrance or for visiting dignitaries. She flies off on short trips around Australia and overseas, including singing the Australian National Anthem at the Dawn Service and the Lone Pine Service on ANZAC Day at Gallipoli in 2010. And what does she sing? “A lot of national anthems, not just our own”.
Her next career goal is to gain experience from singing in Europe. She is aiming for Germany or Austria, which both welcome Australian opera singers and are countries that she loves. She is currently saving hard to launch this next step in her career. We wish her well, but with mixed feelings, hoping that she can continue to perform with us for many more concerts yet before she sails away.
We are pleased to welcome back Bryony Dwyer as soprano soloist for our December performance of Messiah.
Handel’s Messiah, Cardinal Cerretti Chapel, Manly
7:30pm Saturday December 3rd Click here for Saturday Tickets
4:00pm Sunday December 4th Click here for Sunday Tickets
or call Naomi 9953 2443
Messiah 2011 concert flyer – How to get to Cardinal Cerretti Chapel – Soloists
Emma Moore – onwards and upwards
We are delighted – but not surprised – to hear that Emma Moore has won the IFAC Australian Singing Competition’s prestigious Marianne Mathy Scholarship for 2011. Emma has sung soprano solos with the Choir over the past few years, and it has been a delight to work with her, both professionally and personally.
The Scholarship enables Emma to continue her studies overseas, following a two year course in Berlin on which she is about to embark.
We offer Emma our congratulations and best wishes, tinged with not a little regret that her superb voice will not be gracing the Cardinal Cerretti Chapel at least for a little while.