LIGHT ETERNAL
VOX CALDERA is a specialist chamber choir, directed by Nicholas Routley. The choir was formed in 2012 and is resident at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, in Lismore. It has gained a reputation as one of the area’s premium choral ensembles.
The singers always enjoy the preparation of mixed works for their Christmas concert, which is a highlight of the musical year. This year, the title of the concert – LIGHT ETERNAL – is the translation of the inspirational work LUX AETERNA, by Elgar. Many in the audience will recognise the work as ‘Nimrod’, part of Elgar’s Enigma Variations, arranged for 8 part choir.
Another treasure is Poulenc’s quirky setting of ‘Hodie Christus Natus Est’ (Today Christ is born).The music is energetic – full of metric changes and scrunchy chords. Josquin des Prez’s canonic Agnus Dei is calm and meditative – balancing the energy of Poulenc.
A special place in the program is one of Bach’s most famous motets: ‘Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied’ (Sing to the Lord a New Song) from Psalm 149.
One of the most virtuosic works in the entire choral repertoire, the work is written for double choir.
Other gems are by Handel, Bruckner, Gjeilo and Pärt, as well as several jolly seasonal carols.
For this concert Vox Caldera is joined by Belinda Manwaring, baroque cellist, and Hamsa Arnold, the organist at St Mary’s.
DATE & TIME
SUNDAY, 15 December
3:00 – 4:30 PM
TICKETS
GENERAL $25
CONCESSION $20
Children Free
Nicholas ROUTLEY, DIRECTOR
Nicholas has had a broad career in music, as pianist, conductor, and composer. He was for many years a lecturer and then Professor in the Faculty of Music at the University of Sydney. His pupils, now spread across many continents as well as within Australia, occupy prestigious positions and many have already achieved international renown.
Since moving to the Northern Rivers in 2009 he founded, and directs, the chamber choir Vox Caldera. He is currently president of the Byron Music Society, an organisation which promotes concerts by outstanding musicians of the region and across Australia. He is engaged on the composition of three operas on the subject of the Indian epic, Mahabharata.