Halcyon Opens The Doors To Rehearsal For Giving Voice

Halcyon is throwing open the doors to its rehearsal for Elliott Gyger’s giving voice.

It is the first time in 18 years that Halcyon is inviting its audience tp observe its rehearsal process so that the public can see what happens off the concert stage.  The night is designed to be an informal look at the final stages of work on the piece before they go into the studio.  Composer Elliot Gyger will deliver some insights into the piece before rehearsing the eight songs in the cycle. There will be breaks between movements and the audience is welcome to stay for all or part of the rehearsal.

Commissioned by Halcyon, Elliott Gyger’s giving voice won the 2013 Paul Lowin Song Cycle prize, the industry’s most prestigious award. The cycle of eight songs features an unusual ensemble of mezzo soprano, alto flute/piccolo, oboe/cor anglais, viola, cello and guitar in varying combinations.  giving voice is an intimate look at the theme of early childhood, the limitless potential (and uncertainty) of a new human life and the voice as a symbol of emerging identity. Halcyon gave the premiere of the piece in 2014 and will be recording it in early October to complete a new Halcyon all-Gyger chamber music CD.

Halcyon’s Jenny Duck-Chong says it has been a delight to revisit this wonderful piece.  Elliott and Jenny have known each other since University days and worked together many times over the years. Elliot’s understanding of both Jenny’s voice and personality is evident in the work as is his sensitivity to text setting.  It is a piece that so beautifully highlights the many colours and emotions of parenthood.   Featuring a selection of wonderful poems by Australian writers Alison Croggan, Elizabeth Riddell, A. Frances Johnson, Morgan Yasbincek, Gina Mercer and Judith Beveridge, one song even features the early words of his own daughter.

For this project, Jenny is joined by an exceptional group of artists: conductor Roland Peelman, piccolo/alto flute Sally Walker, oboe/cor anglais Alexandre Oguey, viola Ewan Foster,  cello Geoffrey Gartner and guitar Vladimir Gorbach.

Entry is by donation (recommended amount is $20) The link is here or use the button below.