Hinsdale Men’s Chorus
Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church, May 5, 2012

Dell Lawrence
Master of Arts (Research) student
Avondale College of Higher Education

Hinsdale Men’s Chorus. Credit: Lagani Gairo.

Hinsdale Men’s Chorus travelled from Chicago, USA, for its tour of Australia. Considering distanced travelled, expectations were high.

But the delivery lacked passion and a difference in dynamics—perhaps understandable; half the ensemble felt ill.

The audience enjoyed the songs, though, even applauding after one. I found the “Hallelujahs” of “Majesty and Glory” uplifting. The key? Conviction.

Evensong
Brandstater Amphitheatre, March 10, 2012

Brenton Stacey
Public relations officer
Avondale College of Higher Education
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

The year’s first Evensong had a touch of variety hour about it—four artists and a few rough edges.

The Promise performs “Prayer of the Children” at Evensong. The song is a tribute to children of the Bosnian War. Andrea Kuburic (centre) is one of those children. Credit: Brenton Stacey.

The Promise headlined, although the vocal ensemble’s opening set lacked punch—partly because of the venue and a soft sound mix.

Serimelor Hoffman’s performance—accompanied by Vanessa Lynch on flute, Tim Turner on piano and Justin Watson on acoustic guitar—of “Jesus Lover Of My Soul:” solid.

And credit to Justin and Tim for performing their own song and recovering quickly from a “lyric malfunction.”

Associate Professor Daniel Reynaud, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Theology, contributed two items, one his own. The blend of voices—joining Daniel were wife Emi and niece Breane Grange—on John Michael Talbot’s “Magnificat (Holy Is His Name):” seamless.

The highlight: The Promise’s “Prayer of the Children.” The song, a tribute to children of the Bosnian War, is moving, all the more so when introduced by one of those children—assistant director and mezzo soprano Andrea Kuburic.