Michael Kirby set to song

Michael Kirby set to song

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir (SGLC) is celebrating its 20th anniversary year by commissioning a new choral work from renowned Australian composer John Peterson, to debut at Marrickville Town Hall on November 5.

Under the musical direction of Sarah Penicka-Smith, the world premiere performance of Dreams and Visions will showcase the talent of the choir, joined by mezzo-soprano Julia Wee, baritone Paul Smith, pianist Gareth Chan, and a professional string quartet.

Peterson took inspiration for the work from the experiences of the gay and lesbian community over the past 20 years, and drew on texts from a wide variety of sources including Henry Lawson, Walt Whitman and the choir’s own patron, the Hon Michael Kirby. The resulting work is described as “a sweeping meditation on the human condition”.

“In our brief to John Peterson, we wanted to create a new choral work that not only celebrated 20 years of our choir, but which would also then be available to community choirs around the country, helping to address the shortfall of major Australian choral repertoire which is accessible to all,” Penicka-Smith said.

“The themes and musical styles which John explores in Dreams and Visions will strike a chord with people everywhere for many years to come.”

The commissioning of Dreams and Visions was made possible by a $10,000 City of Sydney grant to the SGLC under the Cultural Grants and Sponsorships program.

INFO: Dreams and Visions, Marrickville Town Hall, November 5. www.sglc.org

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