PURCELL-EBRATIONS Concert review

Purcell Music Score

Review of Concerts on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November in Lithgow and Bathurst

Allegri Singers and friends delighted local audiences with extraordinary performances of works by Henry Purcell, Anton Bruckner, Carissimi, Josquin des Prez, G.F.Handel, and Sergei Rachmaninov.

The first half of the program comprised orchestral items by Purcell and Handel performed by The Allegri Players, led by Lorraine Moxey; some of the most mesmerising sacred music ever written, sung beautifully by the Allegri Singers, as well as stunning solos from counter-tenors Robert Shlemon Adam and Paul Tenorio.

The second half of the concert, Purcell’s Come Ye Sons of Art, written to celebrate the birthday of Queen Mary ll, in 1694, filled the auditoria with all the joyous sounds that the choir, orchestra, and soloists could produce. A wonderful introduction and accompaniment to the soloists and choruses of the music was performed by an ensemble of young and more seasoned players. Each instrument’s part was clearly defined, and combined to produce a fine and sensitive rendition of Purcell’s complex composition.

Experiencing live, solo classical voices is always a treat, and the performances of soprano, Bethany Carter-Sherlock and bass, Jesse van Proctor were a delight as they joined the two counter tenors in solos and duets.

This program was dedicated to the choir’s founder (and conductor from 1978 – 1987), the late Laurie Orchard, OAM, who was committed to producing and sharing quality music with regional audiences. William Moxey, the choir’s Musical Director for the last 18 years, has continued this commitment, demonstrating his extraordinary ability to inspire a group of singers and players to give of their best, and create a truly memorable event for everyone’s enjoyment.

The wonderful response from audiences fully justified all the effort involved in producing concerts of this quality. Feedback from audience members confirmed the belief in the power of music to uplift, bewitch, enthral and transform.

Allegri Singers are planning two major concerts for 2025 – watch this space for news, as plans progress!

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Audience Response to Eat, Sing and Be Merry

Thank you so much for coming to Oberon. We love to hear beautiful music!
Jean
Oberon Audience
I loved the songs and knew many that I wanted to sing along with.
Di
Oberon Audience
The light and shade of the music made for a very lovely concert, thank you.
Chris
Bathurst Audience
Thank you to the Allegri Singers for a concert with such a great variety of music.
Kathryn
Bathurst Audience
It was wonderful to hear the young soloists. They added to a beautiful concert.
Jenny
Bathurst Audience
The lovely music brought tears to
my eyes.
George
Bathurst Audience
I come to all of the Allegri Singer's concerts and as ever, this one was just lovely.
Libby
Bathurst Audience
I thoroughly enjoyed the concert, what a great variety of music, something for everyone.
Cheryl
Bathurst Audience
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