Specialist chamber choir, Vox Caldera, is directed by Nicholas Routley and was formed in 2012. It is resident at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, in Lismore, and has gained a reputation as one of the Northern Rivers’ premium choral ensembles.
The singers always enjoy the preparation of mixed works for their Christmas concert, which is a highlight of the musical year. This year, the title of the concert – Light Eternal – is the translation of the inspirational work ‘Lux Aeterna’ by Elgar. Many in the audience will recognise the work as ‘Nimrod’, part of Elgar’s Enigma Variations, arranged for eight-part choir.
French composer, Poulenc’s quirky setting of ‘Hodie Christus Natus Est’ (Today Christ is Born) has often become an ‘ear-worm’ for many in the choir, after rehearsing it. The music is energetic – full of metric changes and scrunchy chords.
For many, the highlight of this program will be one of Bach’s famous motets: ‘Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied’ (Sing to the Lord a New Song). It is written for double choir and is one of the most virtuosic works in the choral repertoire.
Other gems are by Josquin, Handel, Bruckner, Gjeilo and Pärt, (the latter two are still living composers). Several seasonal carols will end the concert.
Vox Caldera will be joined by Belinda Manwaring, baroque cellist, and Hamsa Arnold, the organist at St Mary’s.
Sunday 3pm at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Ballina. Tickets from trybooking.com.
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