Messiah conductor impressed with Avondale music ensembles
Brenton Stacey
Public relations officer
Avondale College of Higher Education
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
Avondale Chamber Orchestra and Avondale Singers’ performance of Handel’s Messiah (Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church, November 5) has won praise from The Conservatorium in Newcastle.
Dr Philip Matthias conducts the Avondale Chamber Orchestra and Avondale Singers. Credit: Ann Stafford.
Guest conductor Dr Philip Matthias speaks highly of the camaraderie between the musicians. “This is not to be taken for granted,” he writes in a message to members of the ensembles. “The fact that the performers are ready and willing to work hard for excellent musical results but also have true belief in the message of the music—now that is what makes for a compelling performance.”
The Master Works concert, part of Avondale’s Fine Arts Series, featured solos from students Vivienne Calwell (alto), Daniel Laredo (bass), Dell Lawrence (tenor) and Jackie Ward (soprano). It concluded with the “Hallelujah Chorus,” after which members of the audience paused in reflection before giving a standing ovation.
Philip, director of church music studies at The Conservatorium and conductor of The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir, had only three rehearsals with the ensembles—former senior music lecturer Dr Robb Dennis had prepared much of the performance. He thanks the members “for taking me in so readily” and “for being flexible enough to accommodate any suggestions. . . .
“Heartfelt thanks for giving me a glimpse of your great community, spirituality and music making.”—with Daniel Laredo, public relations assistant, Avondale College of Higher Education