The Central Coast Chorales is set to break the COVID sounds of silence with its 30th anniversary concert on Sunday, August 28.
Celebration in Song will be presented at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, East Gosford, at 2.30pm.
“It’s hard to believe that 30 years have passed since the first concert given by the Central Coast Chorale, originally known as The Gosford Chorale,” spokesperson, Pam Warton, said.
“Such is the nature of time but within that time and almost 250 concerts later with 55 singers now, the dedicated members of the Chorale continue to bring the gift of glorious song and the finest music to audiences on the Coast.
“In doing so the cultural life of the region has been enriched by their love and enthusiasm for the delights of the human voice.”
Christopher Bowen has been Music Director since establishing the Chorale 30 years ago.
“The choir is privileged to have him as MD and applaud his commitment and dedication travelling to the Coast from Sydney every week rain, hail or shine for rehearsals,” Warton said.
“Christopher is one of Australia’s most prolific composers well-known for his imaginative and innovative concert programs.
“He is also Music Director for the Sydney University Graduate Choir and in 2008 was made an Honorary Fellow of the University in recognition of his contribution to its cultural life.
“The same year he also received the Stephen Lardner Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to adult education.”
Celebration in Song will include highlights from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, along with some of the most majestic music written by composers such as Bruckner and Haydn.
Central Coast soloists Elke Hook and George Gilmour will perform, along with guest trombonists Michael Wyborn, Roslyn Jorgensen and Colin Burrows.
“This concert gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate not only the Chorale’s 30th Birthday but to celebrate music itself, the gift of song and its ability to bring people together,” Warton said.
The Chorale is seeking support from the local business community, either with a one-off donation or ongoing sponsorship, to help develop the careers of talented local musicians and enable the Chorale to keep presenting concerts into the future.
Concert tickets and information on joining the Chorale are available by calling 0402 021 931 or going to www.centralcoastchorale.org.
Source: Media release, Aug 15, 2022, Central Coast Chorale