Leichhardt Espresso Chorus double premiere: Magnificat and Luminosity

The Leichhardt Espresso Choir presents the Australian premiere Luminosity, and the world premiere of Magnificat, at St James Church. The concert will be followed by Easter-inspired drinks.

Luminosity was composed by James Whitbourn in 2008. The text, compiled and edited by the composer, centers on the beauty of creation expressed by luminaries down the ages. Texts are taken from the writings of St. John, St. Teresa of Avila, Ryonen, St Augustine, Julian of Norwich and St Isaac of Nineveh.

James Whitbourn is a composer of choral music and music for film, television and the concert hall. After studying music at Magdalen College Oxford, he began his career as a BBC producer. His writing is influenced by that background and it is admired for its direct appeal tp performers and audiences alike.

LEC’s Musical Director, Michelle Leonard commissioned Gerard Brophy to compose the Magnificat for this concert.  Gerard Brophy is one of Australia’s foremost composers. Recent compositions include the sell-out season of his ballet Yo Yai Pakebi, Man Mai Yapobi choreographed by Regina van Berkel and performed by the Residentie Orkest and the Nederlands Dans Theater; the premiere seasons of Semele and Halcyon as part of the Australian Ballet’s highly successful Interplay and Edge of Night programs, and the Song Company’s tour of Gethsemane, his contemporary passion play.

This new work uses the text of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) along with some aphoristic Indian texts. The three movements are Antiphon, Magnificat and Devi Mantra. It is scored for soprano saxophone, string quintet, choir and Himalayan Singing Bowls (to be played by members of the choir).

Click here for more information about Magnificat, and to see a clip of Brophy and Leonard discussing the project.

Programme

BROPHY Magnificat

WHITBOURNE Luminosity

EDWARDS Enyato I: Chorale

Musical Director and Conductor: Michelle Leonard

Saxophone soloist: Christina Leonard

Percussion: Luke Robinson

Strings: Enigma Quartet

Tickets: Adults $35; Concession $30; Child $20

Additional booking fees may apply

Bookings: online at www.espressochorus.com.au