Launch to unite current and former members of vocal ensemble
The launch of the third album from an Avondale vocal ensemble will unite current and former members in a free concert this Saturday (May 25).
The recording of The Promise’s Give Thanks late last year served as an acclaimed swan song for five members—Clansi Rogers, who has reviewed the previous two albums, describes Gives Thanks as a “noticeable step up” and proof of “an evolving and maturing musical ensemble.” However, it is the five’s replacements, plus two alumna and a new member, who are now performing the album’s repertoire.
New Promise members Joshua Page and Dat Nguyen rehearse for the album launch.
Credit: Ashlee King.
The new Promise—Jordan Cassie, Luke Fotheringham, Kimberley Jones, Dat Nguyen, Joshua Page and Dayna Petrie join alto Emily Thomas and soprano Laura Hill in continuing the tradition of musical excellence—has already performed at Australia’s largest Christian music festival, Easterfest, and at the annual camp meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greater Sydney.
The Promise, founded in 2005, produced its self-titled debut album in 2006. The ensemble signed with Psalter Music in 2010, the partnership producing the albums Faithful in 2011 and Give Thanks this year, the latter under the directorship of Avondale’s new music strand coordinator Aleta King. Her decision to record Give Thanks in the acoustically friendly chapel at Morisset Hospital gives a fuller sound to the vocals. Producer and engineer Dale Willis minimised any editing of the album’s 13 tracks to preserve its musical integrity.
Two of the tracks are originals—“O Give Thanks,” written by Aleta, and “My Yes,” written by Emily and former soprano Jana Aveling with friend Kate Hollingsworth. Former tenor Benjamin Milis and former bass Ezekiel Kingston arranged another, “Day by Day,” with Aleta. A fourth, “For the Beauty of the Earth/This is my Father’s World,” is an arrangement of Avondale Jazz Ensemble director David Pudney.
The launch of Give Thanks, in Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church from 6.00 PM, will feature performances by all members of the 2012 and 2013 ensembles and collaborations between the two. Entry is free. Drinks will be available in the foyer from 5.30 PM. Albums will be available at a launch-only price of $15 ($10 for Avondale students).