2024-VCASS-MUSIC-Choral Fantasy-Program

Welcome to interactive presentation, created with Publuu. Enjoy the reading!

Next we traverse time courtesy of Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo and his

modern setting of the 16th Century text from St John of the Cross. Dark

Night of the Soul features mesmerising rhythmic repetition, a rich harmonic

palette bursting with colour and a sonorous blend of timbre across the

sizable chorus, string quartet and piano, cohesively melded under the

inspired stewardship of Dermot Tutty.

We continue with our concert's title work, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Choral

Fantasy, Op 80. Featuring a classical orchestra, chorus and virtuosic piano

soloists, Beethoven’s exalting musical sensibilities are realised by the full

cast of VCASS musicians under the baton of Mark Shiell assisted by Dermot

Tutty. Renowned for his prolific output, it is inevitable that some licensed

‘borrowing’ occurred across Beethoven’s expansive catalogue, with the

origins of his iconic finale from his 9th symphony finding its genesis right

here in his Choral Fantasy.

Shiell, Tutty and the Musicians of VCASS combine one last time to take us

back to the Baroque with selections from George Frideric Handel’s Saul

Oratorio, HWV 53. A significant chorus and boutique orchestra augmented

by harpsichord, chamber organ, celeste and ‘theorbo’ guitars will capitalise

on the glorious cathedralesque acoustics of the MRC bringing Handel’s

spirited voice to life.

A production of this magnitude can only occur with tremendous support

from copious sources. We extend our thanks to the wonderful team of

creatives; Mark Shiell, Rachael Beesley, Josephine Vains, Dermot Tutty,

and Jem Herbert. Along with the fabulous VCASS Music Team composed

of Classroom pedagogues, Instrumental Music Teachers and Ensemble

Tutors. We thank the VCASS Leadership and School Council for supporting

our endeavours and the opportunity to take the stage in this beautiful

venue. The support of our entire community; family, friends, peers, staff, is

immensely appreciated and essential in achieving great things!

Finally, congratulations to all of our musicians, especially the graduating

class of 2024, who continue to apply themselves with remarkable creativity

and commitment.

James Le Fevre

HEAD OF MUSIC

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36