Several variants of the famous English folk ballad "Barb'ry Ellen" are incorporated into this evocative setting for women's voices. First performed by the Varsity Women's Choir of Appleton North High School, James Heiks, conductor. "Ya Faraoule" is a combination of Christian Lebanese songs of romantic longing with Muslim Egyptian songs of romantic joy. There are plenty of sensuous, serpentine Middle Eastern lines for singers. The gentle and expressive arrangement of "Danny Boy" works equally well highlighting a solo or small ensemble. A music that celebrates the Australian continent and its peoples. "Kungala" is a typically energetic and inventive piece, using gesture and stage movement as well as vocalisation to create an atmosphere of energy and joy. "Queen Jane" - A slow melody of breathtaking beauty of an old ballad on Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII. Lots of opportunity for storytelling - the sopranos are Jane, 2nd sopranos the Narrator and the altos are Henry. Moving and sad. |
