2025 Concert Season Sydney University Graduate Choir

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY GRADUATE CHOIR & ORCHESTRA

directed by Christopher Bowen OAM

Saturday 5th April 7.00pm St. Thomas Church, North Sydney

“JOHANNES-PASSION”

Join us in Lent for a performance of Bach’s dramatic and moving “St John Passion”. This timeless masterpiece depicts the last days of Jesus according to the Gospel of St. John. It is a powerful and compelling musical fresco with its compassionate narrative masterfully translated into extraodinarily expressive music of great depth and intensity.

Lana Kains - soprano Olivia Payne - alto Joshua Oxley - Evangelist Matthew Reardon - tenor Simon Lobelson - Christus Jack Stephens - Petrus, Pilatus

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY GRADUATE CHOIR & ORCHESTRA

directed by Christopher Bowen OAM

Sunday 10th August 3.00pm Great Hall, University of Sydney

“REVERBERATIONS….”

Premiere performances of works by Franz Lachner

Requiem in F minor Opus 146 - Franz Lachner

Mirjams Siegesgesang - Schubert orchestrated Lachner

Franz Lachner’s music pays homage to two of Vienna’s greatest composers, Mozart and Schubert. Lachner wrote his brilliant “Requiem in F minor” for the celebrations of Mozart’s 100th birthday in 1856. It was lauded as “the most perfect of its kind after Mozart’s “Requiem”.

Lachner also orchestrated Schubert’s “Mirjams Siegesgesang” as a “labour of love” to honour his good friend Franz Schubertafter his early death.

This will be a rare opportunity to experience this neglected composer’s inspiring and surprising music.

Soloists

Amy Moore - soprano Anja Leszinsky - soprano Elizabeth Cooper - mezzo-soprano Richard Butler - tenor Tony Suryanthono - tenor David Hidden - bass

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY GRADUATE CHOIR & ORCHESTRA

directed by Christopher Bowen OAM

Saturday 29th November 7.00pm St. Thomas Church, North Sydney

“A FEAST of CHRISTMAS MUSIC”

Oratorio de Noël - Camille Saint-Saëns

O Come Emmanuel arr. Bowen We Three Kings arr. Bowen That Virgin’s child - Bowen   The World’s Desire & I sing of a Maiden (from “Songs of the nativity) - Bowen The Lamb - Bowen    Rejoice - Bowen  Noël des enfants qui n’ont plus de maisons– Debussy arr. Bowen

Start the festive season with a musical celebration of Christmas and the joy of fine choral singing.

The centrepiece of this varied Christmas concert will be Saint-Saëns lyrical, colourful and expressive “Oratorio de Noël”, a homage to J.S Bach and written when the composer was just 23 years old. It is an astoundingly beautiful work and the perfect celebration of Christmas.

Together with an assortment of delightful Christmas music composed and arranged by Christopher Bowen, this promises to the perfect introduction to the festive season.

Of partricular interest is Claude Debussy’s composition written in 1915, set to his own text, as a protest against the savagery of World War 1. An extraordinary work which is seldom heard and so relevant at the moment.

Soloists

Lana Kains - soprano Rebecca O’Hanlon - mezzo-soprano Catherine O’Doherty - alto Joshua Oxley - tenor Simon Lobelson - bass

Broadcast of "Australian War Requiem” Anzac Day 2025

The “Australian War Requiem” which was premiered in 2014 to critical acclaim will be broadcast on 2MBS Fine Music on Anzac Day, Friday 25th April 2025 at 2pm.

The broadcast features the recording of the premiere performance in 2014.

Podcast 2MBS FINE MUSIC

Julie Symonds will be publishing her interview with me on Monday, January 6th 2025 as part of her fabulous 100% Australian music series.

Music featured : “The Redfern Oratorio” and the satirical work “Democratie” based on Arthur Rimbaud’s extraordinary prose poem.

ABC Classic Broadcast of "Redfern Oratorio"

“THE REDFERN ORATORIO” will be broadcast on ABC Classic FM on Tuesday 10th December at 8pm. on the 32nd anniversary of Paul Keating’s iconic and historic speech which was made in Redfern Park on 10th December 1992.

Commissioned by Robyn Williams AO, with music set to an inspiring libretto by Pamela Traynor based on the finest speech ever made in this country, this is another opportunity to imagine a vibrant future based on a truthful acceptance of our history since the European colonisation of Australia and its subjugation and suppression of the world’s oldest continuous living culture.

Premiere of "Song for Aidan"

'The latest commissioned work "“Song for Aidan” will receive its first performance on Sunday 7th May. To be performed by the Sydney University Graduate Choir , this work of approximately 10 minutes duration, captures the sense of loss and grief expressed in a tender , deeply heartfelt poem written by a mother , contemplating the sudden and tragic death of a beloved son. The composition is an intimate dialogue between the mother (sung by the choir) and her son , whose wordless voice is represented by the solo oboe.

The work is composed for 4 sopranos, S.A.T.B Choir, oboe and piano/harp.

Broadcasts on ABC Classic FM & 2MBS Fine Music

Exciting news!

“THE REDFERN ORATORIO” will be broadcast on ABC Classic FM in the “Lunchtime Concert” program on Saturday the 27th May, the first day of “Reconciliation Week”.

On Tuesday 25th April, excerpts from the Oratorio will be broadcast on 2MBS Fine Music in the morning at 7.30am.

On ANZAC DAY 25th April at 1pm excerpts from the”AUSTRALIAN WAR REQUIEM” will be broadcast on 2MBS Fine Music as part of their “Tribute To Anzac Day” program.

Concerts 2024

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY GRADUATE CHOIR

directed by Christopher Bowen OAM

Sunday 5th May 3.00pm Auditorium, Ashfield Boy’s High School,

“THE GREAT MA(y)TINEE”

Discover and experience an extraordinary program of music inspired by the unique Romani culture and the vibrant folk music of Argentina together with a dash of Schubert. This is a wonderfully diverse concert for the restless and adventurous music lover.

Misa Criolla - Ariel Ramirez Zigeunerlieder Opus 103 - Johannes Brahms Liebesgram - Robert Schumann Zigeunerleben - Robert Schumann Mirjams Siegesgesang D - Franz Schubert

Amy Moore - soprano Hernan Flores - tenor

Noah Peres - piano Paul Laszlo - Double Bass Ann Palumbo - guitar Steven Machamer - percussion JB Smith - percussion Will Naayen - percussion

CENTRAL COAST CHORALE

directed by Christopher Bowen OAM

Sunday 26th May 2.30pm Auditorium, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, East Gosford

“SHOWTIME”

A fun filled afternoon of hits from the stage and popular music.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY GRADUATE CHOIR & ORCHESTRA

directed by Christopher Bowen OAM

Sunday 11th August 3.00pm, Great Hall, University of Sydney

“Dettingen” Te Deum - Georg Frideric Handel Missa Ultima - Johann Adolf Hasse (Australian premiere performance)

Molly Ryan - soprano Keara Donohoe - mezzo-soprano Timothy Chung - alto Richard Butler - tenor Simon Lobelson - bass

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY GRADUATE CHOIR & ORCHESTRA

directed by Christopher Bowen OAM

Sunday3rd November 3.00pm, Great Hall, Sydney University

“SYDNEY SINGS”

“ELIJAH” - Felix Mendelssohn

Lana Kains - soprano Stephanie Dillon - mezzo soprano Joshua Oxley - tenor Eugene Raggio - bass

“CHRISTMAS at the TOWN HALL”

Tuesday 17th December 8:00pm, Sydney Town Hall

The annual musical extravaganza at the Sydeny Town Hall celebrating Christmas featuring

Sydney University Graduate Choir Central Coast Chorale Sydney Community College Choir N.S.W Police Band Titus Grenyer - organist

The Redfern Oratorio

Here are a few of the responses to the premiere of “The Redfern Oratorio” which took place on Sunday 13th November in the Sydney Town Hall

“It was quite an experience and, in my opinion, it once again confirms Christopher Bowen as a major composer, not simply on a local level, but internationally. The Oratorio is very moving; the vocal text is flawlessly integrated with the music. The orchestration struck me as inventive and exciting but never pretentious and always at the service of the text. It avoided all of the cliches of aboriginal music but, at the same time, echoed Aboriginal culture through sophisticated use of the symphony orchestra. I imagine the work will have many performances  - not just in Australia, but with major orchestras throughout the world.”

“From the first beats it was electric.  Literally.  People’s hair was standing on end.  As we filed out for intermission, people looked altered in the most brilliant way - like they’d just been through something extraordinary and incredibly moving. Strangers caught my eye and simply said “goosebumps” as they filed past.  Many many people said this.  Unless they said "I teared up". Or both.”

 “If art, and music in particular, is about moving people, then this piece and performance is an unqualified triumph.  For me, sitting there, I too had hairs standing on end and felt shakily teary.  And enraptured.  I dont have the musical vocabulary to describe it, but the lyrical, soaring melodic passages were an incredible sweeping reward after each of the percussive spine tingling bits.” 

“Absolutely blown away. What a triumph, you two clever clogs, you!! It was spectacular, inventive, moving and memorable, and should become part of the Australian canon.”

“The Redfern Oratorio is incredible - I haven't felt such penetrating emotion from music for a long time and, as with many people, found tears welling up from almost the very first note as well as a visceral response through the whole body. Both the score and the libretto were superb - so many clever and moving moments, and using the "imagine" theme was a masterstroke.

“During the first gentle bars with the word IMAGINE, you could feel the audience sit up. It was: ELECTRIC. The two soloists were superb. And the orchestra rose to the score that reminded me of the best of Leonard Bernstein. Forty five minutes of divine chorus (yes it sounded heavenly, then powerful and harsh, as drums and cymbals crashed.”

“We were enthralled. At the intermission people exclaimed that they had been at a pivotal event: music that was in the zeitgeist. The notes of gratitude poured in. Talked to Paul Keating at the break and he compared the Oratorio to Das Lied Von der Erde by Mahler. At a time when rehearsal was so difficult and moods challenging ALL the performers and organisers deserve a medal. And I am still dealing with umpteen requests for the CD.  I have about 6 concerts in my memory bank that I try to reply in my imagination.IMAGINE, is one of them.”

“I just want to congratulate you again on the triumph that was the Redfern Oratorio! It’s not often that Ode to Joy is upstaged, but the premiere well and truly stole the show.. We were on a high for the rest of the day, it was magnificent!”

I noticed that Paul Keating was seriously appreciative too and, as mentioned, he said words to the effect that it was a profound piece of work and immensely important.”

“The performance of The Redfern Oratorio at Sydney Town Hall  was a thoroughly moving and spectacular experience for me. I was honoured to be there. The composition of the choral work was extremely beautiful, uplifting and inspiring and was magnificently  performed by the choir and the solo performers - led superbly by the composer, Christopher Bowen.
What a wonderful way to honour the deeply significant Redfern speech of December 1992, given by Paul Keating. It was exciting to see him there in the audience enjoying the performance.” 

“…what a stupendous concert you presented yesterday. The Redfern Oratorio is incredible - I haven't felt such penetrating emotion from music for a long time and, as with many people, found tears welling up from almost the very first note as well as a visceral response through the whole body. Both the score and the libretto were superb - so many clever and moving moments, and using the "imagine" theme was a masterstroke.
I noticed that Paul Keating was seriously appreciative too and, as mentioned, he said words to the effect that it was a profound piece of work and immensely important.
Given the interest in many countries for First Peoples' rights, I hope that the Oratorio is taken up by some international companies. Germany and France, for example…
Strikes me, too, that with this and the War Requiem you've created a wonderful niche for new Australian dramatic works of historical significance. Bring on some more!”

“Today’s premier performance was dramatic. It made your soul sing. The music enlivened and engaged the heartfelt vision of Prime Minister Keating’s 1992 landmark  call of an ‘ode to joy’.  
Christopher and your choir made the Oratorio a powerful experience. Sitting in the audience your music and the choirs clear voice allowed us to truly imagine an understanding of Paul Keating’s intention”. 

“I just want to congratulate you again on the triumph that was the Redfern Oratorio! It’s not often that Ode to Joy is upstaged, but the premiere well and truly stole the show.. We were on a high for the rest of the day, it was magnificent!”

“I do hope you were justifiably proud today at the success and reception your Redfern Oratorio received. It was wonderful and brought a tear to my eye. Paul Keating looked pretty happy when I spoke to him at half time too.  The ode to joy was a good combo too.”

“Congratulations on the world premier of this spectacular work. I sincerely hope it is performed around Australia and leads us further down the path to reconciliation with our First Nations people.”

Premiere of "The Redfern Oratorio'

“I have read with great interest the libretto and the score of “The Redfern Oratorio” and find it very important that it should be performed in Sydney and other Australian cities”

DANIEL BARENBOIM

On Sunday 13 November 2022, the first performance of “The Redfern Oratorio” (commissioned by Dr. Robyn Williams AO) took place in the Sydney Town Hall. The music is set to a libretto by Pamela Traynor, inspired by Paul Keating’s iconic 1992 Redfern Speech which was delivered 30 years ago and represents a significant turning point in our movement towards a reconciliation with Indigenous Australians and a truthful acceptance and understanding of our history since colonisation.

Programmed with the “Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven the longing for freedom, equality and justice for all resonates in both works and invites a new imagining of our world.

Sydney University Graduate Choir & Orchestra

directed by Christopher Bowen

Amy Moore - soprano

Ashlyn Tymms - mezzo soprano

Nicholas Jones - tenor

Adrian Tamburini - bass

New orchestration of Gabriel Fauré's "Requiem".

A performance by the Sydney University Graduate Choir under the direction of Christopher Bowen of Gabriel Fauré’s “Requiem” will take place in the Great Hall , Sydney University on Sunday 14th August at 3.00pm .

The performance will introduce a new orchestration by Christopher Bowen of this ever popular work. Unlike the original orchestration the new one expands the string section to include 1st and 2nd violins. The original organ and harp parts are retained with the addition of 2 french horns in F

The complete instrumental requirements are Strings 4. 4..4. 2. 1. 2 Horns, Organ & Harp

Premiere of new commissioned work "Firemusic"

“Firemusic” commissioned by Australian violist Michelle Pritchard was premiered 23rd April, 8pm at the Doopsgezinde Kerk, Middelburg. and performed again on May 30th at 7.15pm in the Conservatoriumzaal, Amare, Den Hague. 

This work, a rhapsodic lamentation for viola (Michelle Pritchard) and piano (Gerard Boeters), is inspired by the tragic and catastrophic fires which ravaged New South Wales in 2020, resulting in the appalling destruction of animal life and the environment.

The following text was included in the program notes for the premiere of the work

“With a view to working with him on a composition for my Master studies, I contacted him at the start of 2021 and proposed we work together on the creation of a new work for viola and piano. Through this “Firemusic” was created.

Here I include a quote from our email correspondence.

“Regarding “Firemusic“ , I think I have just had an inspired idea.. Considering what is happening all over the world with the climate and especially reflecting on the immense tragedy of the 2019-2020 NSW bushfires I thought that after all the violent energy in “Firemusic”, I could finish with a meditation on the destruction of both human and native animal life. I think it would be a great contrast and juxtaposition of ideas."

We shared media pictures of the horrific devastation of the bushfires and had several discussions and “Zoom” workshops whilst the work was being created. I contributedto the creative elements of this work by suggesting certain effects- for example for animal screaming- glissando, portamento and articulation. The draft scores were updated in between each workshop. I would annotate them with the elements we had discussed referencing recordings of our workshops- either audio or visual with my phone or via Zoom recording. These scores were returned to Bowen via email.

“Firemusic” is a lament for nature. It is a one movement work made up of three main sections. Opening with solo viola, the sorrowful lament continues until the piano interjects with “fire” fragments. The middle section represents the fire, as well as the virtuosic writing, the fiery fragments are developed and you can hear sound effects of birds and animals, exhausted, dying, screeching and in pain. This section closes with a duo-cadenza (in both viola and piano). The final section, a meditation including aspects of the opening lament in altered form, accompanied by the piano.

New arrangements

For the first time an S.A.T.B arrangement of Beethoven’s “Gellert Lieder” is available.

These seldom performed lieder are a reminder of the quality of Beethoven’s many lesser known works.

The six lieder are scored for S.A.T.B choir and piano accompaniment. The last piece “Bußlied” requires an additional soprano soloist.

Camille Saint-Saëns “Gloria Patri” is also available for S.A.T.B choir, solo horn and organ. This another fine example of this composer’s inspiring and beautiful sacred music.

New composition

A new composition for unaccompanied viola has been recently completed.

The Étude "dancing bird" is approximately 3:12 in duration and explores the the use of tri-tones and fluctuating rhythms. The piece would be ideal for the serious viola student who has reached intermediate level. (7th Grade + AMEB) As the title suggests the piece takes its inspiration from the dance of a bird trying to impress a would be mate.

Concerts 2022

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY GRADUATE CHOIR & ORCHESTRA

directed by Christopher Bowen OAM

Sunday 14th August 3.00pm, Great Hall, University of Sydney

“IN PARADISUM”

Requiem Op.48 - Gabriel Fauré

Stabat Mater D 383 - Franz Schubert

Elke Hook - soprano

Richard Butler - tenor

Andrew O’Connor - bass

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY GRADUATE CHOIR

directed by Christopher Bowen OAM

Sunday 8th May 3.00pm Auditorium, Fort Street High School, Petersham

“SINGING ON 2022”

A celebration in music and song.

Included in this diverse program are the following works:

Gellert Lieder - Beethoven (arr. Bowen) Gloria Patri - Saint-Saëns (arr. Bowen) 4 Gesänge Opus 17 (S.A choir, harp & 2 horns) - Brahms Nachthelle (T.B choir & tenor solo) - Schubert Tantum ergo Opus 55 - Fauré Cantique de Jean Racine - Faure Diffugere nives (premiere performance) - Courtney Cousins Alleluia - Bowen

Amy Moore - soprano

Nathan Bryon - tenor

Alastair Duff-Forbes - violin

Tracy Wan - violin

Andrew Jezek - viola

John Benz - violoncello

Graham Nicholls , Tina Brain - french horns

Owen Torr - harp

Noah Peres - piano

The Redfern Oratorio

“The Redfern Oratorio” , an extended work for large orchestra, choir ,solo soprano and bass will receive its premiere performance on Sunday 13th November at the Sydney Town Hall as part of the “Sydney Sings” series of concerts.

The work was commissioned by Dr. Robyn Williams AM and composed to a text by Pamela Traynor, inspired by the the landmark “Redfern Speech” delivered by the then Prime Minister, Paul Keating, on the 10th December 1992.

The performance will celebrate the 30th anniversary of that momentous occasion. and remind us all of the deep and profound need for truth and honesty when dealing with this nation’s history since colonisation and the subsequent brutal attempts to suppress and destroy its rightful owners, the First Nations people and their culture.

Details of the concert will be given later on this year.

Broadcast of "An Australian War Requiem" on ABC Classic FM

It has just been announced that “An Australian War Requiem” will be broadcast on ABC Classic FM on Anzac Day, 25th April. The performance took place on November 11th, 2018 in the Sydney Town Hall to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War 1. This broadcast is especially poignant as it features the extraordinary voice of Taryn Fiebig, who recently, and before her time, passed away. She was a wonderful singer and an inspiration to us all.

A Fragment of Sappho

The recently commissioned work “A Fragment of Sappho” is a setting of Fragment 16 by the poet Sappho.

Through her representation of the story of Helen of Troy and her beguiling beauty, Sappho reminds us all of love’s power and its ability to change destinies and fate itself.

The work is scored for S.A.T.B Choir, Oboe, French Horn, Harp, Piano and String Quartet.

The premiere of “A Fragment of Sappho” will take place in the Auditorium of Fort Street High School, Petersham on Sunday, 2nd May at 3pm.

Australian War Requiem broadcast on Finemusic FM 102.5

On Anzac Day ,Thursday 25th April at 2.00pm my “Australian War Requiem” will be broadcast  at 2.00pm. There is also a very informative article about this work in the April edition of their magazine. This work has received  a great deal of exposure  since the premiere in 2014 and received some wonderful reviews. See the earlier posts.

Broadcasts on Finemusic FM 102.5

On Thursday 21st March at 1pm , a recording of a concert featuring the music of Mendelssohn and Otto Nicolai can be heard on Fine Music102.5 FM.  The concert took place last year in the Great Hall of Sydney University featuring the  soloists; Elke Hook, Angela Lim, Keara Donohoe, Joshua Oxley, Tony Suryanthono, David Hidden with the Sydney University Graduate Choir and Orchestra conducted by Christopher Bowen. The Psalms 42 and 114 by Mendelssohn are heard rarely and deserve a place in the established repertoire. The Te Deum by Nicolai was in fact the first performance in Australia of this neglected work. This is another rare opportunity to hear this wonderful work. 

In April there will be another broadcast of “An Australian War Requiem”. The exact date will be advised later this month.

Christmas at the Town Hall Tuesday 18th 8.00pm

The annual Christmas spectacular is almost upon us. No doubt, as in past years, the Town Hall will be packed.

An exciting new arrangement of “Personent Hodie” will be performed by the combined choirs in addition to a joyous arrangement of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.