Latest news with #SouthernConsortofVoices
Otago Daily Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Exceptional choral blend
The Southern Consort of Voices at St Joseph's Chapel. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The well-titled programme Soundscapes presented by the Southern Consort of Voices entertained a large audience in St Joseph's Chapel yesterday afternoon. The consort's director, Daniel Kelly, has a reputation for adventurous programming and this programme was no exception. Music spanning five centuries, from five different countries, and sung in four different languages disclosed significant choral diversity. Kelly's spoken introductions were personable and added to the audience's enjoyment and understanding of the music, much of which was by lesser-known composers. The choral blend from the 17 singers was exceptional, although at times the soprano mix was not optimal. The beautiful acoustics within the chapel were used to great effect with different choral placings at the front, the back, and the sides to create antiphonal impacts. However, this did cause occasional rhythmic problems especially in Tallis' Technically, the choir sings with a wide range of dynamics which never lose vocal focus, outstanding crescendi and diminuendi, and healthy unforced vocal tone. The opening piece Bring us, O Lord God by Harris allowed the choir to settle down and revealed delicately shaped phrases with some excellent legato linking from the sopranos. Reger's Nachtlied enabled the choir's attention to linguistic detail to shine with excellent German. The humming in Aftonen by Alfven carried effortlessly, and the choir's robust choral sound was heard in Eric Whitacre's Lux Urumque. An unusual setting of Ave Maris Stella by Sjoberg featured spoken and whispered vocal effects. The final four pieces lifted the overall mood of the programme which had been a little staid. Propitiously, Sleepsong by Lovland empowered the choir to become successful storytellers. Excellent soloists within the choir were sopranos Cathy Highton-Sim and Kathryn Gardner, and tenors Kieran Kelly and Ewen Clarke-Wallace.
Otago Daily Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Soundscapes traverses centuries
Southern Consort of Voices. Photo: supplied Dunedin chamber choir Southern Consort of Voices will present Soundscapes, a concert of music for unaccompanied voices, this weekend. Featuring music ranging from the 16th century to the present day, the concert will be held this Sunday, from 2pm at St Joseph's Chapel under the baton of Southern Consort of Voices director Daniel Kelly. Featured compositions will include works by Thomas Tallis, William Harris, Johan-Magnus Sjoberg, Hugo Alfven, Taylor Scott Davis, Max Reger, Dougie MacLean and Billy Joel. St Joseph's Chapel is behind the Rattray St cathedral, in the grounds of Trinity College. Tickets via Eventfinda, or at the door. — APL
