now at moonrise
Vox Caldera, directed by Nicholas Routley present ‘Now at Moonrise’, a program of choral music leading towards Easter. From the soaring, endless melodies of Ockghem, through the profound pilgrimages of Josquin, and the sublime Miserere of Allegri, to the wonderful motet ‘Jesu, meine Freude’, each work carries a profound message of hope and new light.
The title of this concert, ‘Now at Moonrise’, comes from a poem by that great modern interpreter of the Christian message, the Aotearoa poet James K Baxter. This has been set to music for chamber choir by the composer Clare Maclean, music which draws on the inexhaustible wellspring of early Renaissance music, and even plainsong, for its timeless beauty. ‘Christ the King’ is the first of a long series of choral pieces by Maclean, many written for the Sydney Chamber Choir, who pioneered the singing of Ockeghem and Josquin in this country. The Sydney Chamber Choir was founded by Vox Caldera’s director, Nicholas Routley.
‘Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my crying come unto thee’, is the text of Purcell’s achingly beautiful miniature which completes Vox Caldera’s program. In these dark days we all need that which nourishes our spirit and unclouds our mind, thus fostering hope, tolerance and understanding.
Vox Caldera Chamber Choir
Belinda Manwaring, Baroque Cello
Hamsa Arnold, Continuo
Nicholas Routley, Director
DATE & TIME
SUNDAY, 13 April
3:00 – 4:30 PM
TICKETS
GENERAL $25
CONCESSION $20
Children Free
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.
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.