Amidst the background of dramatic happenings encapsulated in some of the performances in this years Adelaide Festival, the Adelaide Chamber Singers chose to present a group of songs under the title Heal You. Musical Director Christie Anderson explains that Heal You is a journey of healing, belonging and wonder. We find joy in the most unexpected places, sending peace out into the world one note, one person, one experience at a time.
As the Adelaide Chamber Singers had recently sung in the performance of the opera Innocence which deals with a school shooting and its aftermath, Christie felt that music that brought healing and peace would be desirable and appropriate.
And the swallow composed by Caroline Shaw based on Psalm 84, .set the mood.
Night/Light composed by Anne Cawrse, to words of Kate Llewellyn and Fr.Andrew M. Bullen S.J. was meditative, being followed by Abdenlied by Joseph Rheinberger, which may have seen familiar to many.
Bide with us/for evening shadows darken/and the day will soon be over
Then we had the joyous rhythmic Tuttarana and towards the end of the program Peat Brown Hours (Julliana Kay) which began with whistling then bird cries before breaking into full song, celebrating life and nature.
the gossip of grasses/the winning wind/and occasional bird song.
Until the final Where I Sleep (Emell Sande and Shahid Khan, arranged by Geoff Lawson).
The music had wrapped the audience in the feelings of peace, belonging and wonder, sending them out to enjoy a balmy night.
The Adelaide Chamber Singers sang with wonderful control and discipline. They have a distinct voice; one which can float through space and hover in the air. Difficult harmonies and rhythms do no faze them. The sopranos have a pure ethereal quality which soars to the heavens, but in producing that crystal quality they must not sacrifice the touch of warmth. The two named soloists, Brooke Window and Emma Borgas, were excellent, but there were others within the choir who featured, and frankly, I think every one of the singers would shine as a soloist. Christie Anderson has an embarrassment of riches standing before her.
As conductor Christie led the singers through the thirteen numbers confidently and sensitively.. She was justly proud of them, as she applauded the choir as enthusiastically as did the audience.
Heal You Adelaide Chamber Singers
Adelaide Town Hall, 13 March
This was a live ABC broadcast and it will be available to listen to for the next 30 days on the ABC classic website.
We have a fantastic team of members and volunteers at 5mbs, with many opportunities for more. Check out the various ways you can help support the passionate team at 5mbs
Sign up to receive program guides, articles, and event updates