Poetica was presented by the Central Coast Chorale on April 22. The Chorale, directed by Mr Christopher Bowen OAM, with soloist, Ms Elke Hook, sang to a full house at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, East Gosford.
They were accompanied by, Ms Lilli Naulu, on piano and by a String Quartet comprised of, Mr Dan Russell (violin), Ms Eva Li (violin), Mr Robert Harris (viola), and Ms Caroline Otto (cello). The Poetica concert explored the unique relationship between poetry and music. The poetry of such luminaries as, Alfred Lord Tennyson, William Blake, Mary Coleridge and John Lennon, among others, was presented in song. “We were proud to present the words of Australian poet, Christopher Brennan (1870- 1932) ‘They stole the children in their sleep and I am so Deep in Day, with music composed by Mr Bowen.
“In the words of the Chorale concert manager, Mr John Adams, “Bowen recognises the essential qualities of the language in the poems.” “His compositions move with and around the poems,” said Central Coast Chorale PR Officer, Ms Ellie Vasta. The Chorale also presented Beethoven’s Da stiegen die Menschen ans licht, Mendelssohn’s Laudate, Stanford’s The Bluebird, and, Mr Mark Watson, recited Henry Kendall’s Bell Birds. Chorale chorister, Ms Shannon Todd, recited her own composition titled: Poetry of Music. The String Quartet played music by Schubert and Tchaikovsky, while Mr Russell presented a thrilling version of Monti’s Czardis. “The concert ended with lively and long-lasting applause from an appreciative audience. “Many people, after the concert, told the choristers how much they enjoyed the varied programme and the selection of music,” Ms Vasta concluded.
Source: Media release, Apr 27 Ellie Vasta, Central Coast Chorale