Canberra composer, Michael Dooley, is turning 60 and he’s
celebrating with a two-day party. But Dooley
is the one giving the gifts.
He’s written two quite contrasting works especially for the
occasion, and the world premiere performances will be given in two concerts at
Wesley Uniting Church, National Circuit, in Forrest, on November 22nd
and 23rd.
The Llewellyn Choir gets the gig for the November 22 concert,
“Beyond…”, and will perform Dooley’s oratorio, “Perpetua”, an evocative tribute
to a woman of faith, vision and courage.
An instrumental ensemble led by Canberra Symphony Orchestra violinist,
Timothy Wickham, will accompany the choir and soloists Emma Griffith (Soprano),
Veronica Thwaites-Brown (Mezzo), Dan Walker (Tenor) and Andrew Fysh
(Bass). Rowan Harvey-Martin will direct
proceedings from the conductor’s podium.
I was fortunate to hear a couple of movements in rehearsal. There were driving rhythms, quiet melodies
and some filmic styles in what is shaping up to be a very interesting and
entertaining piece.
Also on the program is “7 Prayers of the Saviour” by Dooley’s
14-year-old son, William, who is showing great compositional talent, having
already written several works, which have been performed, including on ABC
radio. William has written in the styles
of Mozart and Vivaldi in the past, because he likes the music of that era, so
it will be interesting to hear his offering in this piece.
Quite a change in style, reflective of Dooley’s quite
remarkable versatility, is offered for the November 23 concert, “…Inspirations”. Jazz choir ensemble, Rhythm Syndicate, for
whom Dooley is accompanist, will give the world premiere of Dooley’s gospel
cantata, “Unto the King”, which also will get its official CD launch, recorded
by the same group. Special guest will be
well-known jazz singer, Rachel Thorne, half of Dooley’s jazz duo, In2Deep,
which has two recordings to its credit.
Rhythm Syndicate will also perform new arrangements of great
jazz standards by its music director, Camilo Gonzales.
Clinton White
