Blackheath Public School senior choir is joining with Phoenix Choir to perform a concert for Christmas. They will be part of a varied seasonal program including the Christmas music from the Messiah and carols old and new.
It’s not the first time that the two choirs have combined. Blackheath Public School has often joined Phoenix in their Christmas concerts and at Easter in 2015 their senior choir sang the Ripieno chorus for the opening chorus of Bach’s St Matthew Passion.
Musical director Rowen Fox is preparing Phoenix Choir for a full performance of Messiah in April 2017. This concert presents the portion of the work that focuses on the prophecy of Christ’s coming and His birth, featuring such well-known choruses as For Unto Us a Child is Born, Glory to God and His Yoke is Easy.
Local mezzo-soprano Lyn Phillips and Sydney-based soprano Julie Paik will perform some of Handel's beloved arias, including He Shall Feed His Flock and Rejoice Greatly. The children's choir, led by Jenny Lanyon, will join Phoenix in And the Glory of the Lord and, as a rousing finale, the Hallelujah chorus.
As a contrast, a smaller chamber choir will perform contemporary Christmas music from the English choral tradition, such as Taverner’s The Lamb. The program also includes old favourites such as O Holy Night, A Blessing, sung by the children’s choir, and some familiar Christmas carols for everyone to join in.
There are two performances, at St Hilda’s Anglican Church, Katoomba on December 3 at 4pm and at the Uniting Church in Blackheath on December 4 at 3pm.
Tickets are $20 (adult) and $15 (concession) with school children free, and can be bought at the door or online at phoenixchoir.org.au/tickets. A donation will be made to Blackheath Public School.