Songs of Joy, sung by the Graduate Singers in St Peter’s Cathedral. was a reminder that while the city was awash with lights, Christmas trees, baubles and crowds of people intent on having a very merry time, there is another dimension to the season of Christmas.
The choir, under the direction of Karl Geiger, sang a selection of music relating to Christmas, both familiar and traditional in some cases, and familiar in a different setting in others. For example the delightful arrangement of Away in the Manger by Lucy Walker and Silent Night, The Twelve Days of Christmas and Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, by John Rutter.
On a more solemn note, the choir sang O Come Emmanuel, arranged by Elaine Hagenberg, with reference to the familiar plain song theme and enhanced by the cello obbligato played by Eleanor Carrig.
Mistletoebird, composed by Rachel Bruerville, was a delightful reminder of the importance of nature and the environment in a season celebrating hope and joy. There were sounds resembling the actual song of the mistletoe bird, and it is not surprising that this piece is a favourite of many choirs.
Musicians: David Heah, Organ, Timothy Frahn, Trumpet,Nicole Durdin, Horn, Edward Koltun, Trombone, Stan McDonald, Tuba and Eleanor Carrig, Cello gave strong support and contributed much to the sense of celebration and occasion.
The choir brought the cathedral to life and light and exuberant sound as they revelled in the ambience of the cathedral. Joining them, from time to time, members of the audience rose to their feet and sang with heart and voice. At the end of the concert they emerged into the summer night, with a warm glow that challenged the lights and glitter of the city.
Adelaide Graduate Singers
St Peters Cathedral December 12
Directed by Karl Geiger
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