In the early 20 century France occupied a preeminent position in the art world and produced some of the finest music of the era. Poulenc’s Gloria is certainly one for the bucket list – at times straightforwardly pious, but also tinged with mischievous irreverence and a sense of rollocking enjoyment.

Francis Poulenc rediscovered his Catholicism following the death of a friend in 1936.  Although his composition of religious works generally became more austere, with the Gloria, Poulenc used the playful and theatrical style from his operas to create a work of pure joy. Its full of what Amy calls “naughty harmonies” and syncopated rhythms which that choir have found both challenging and a lot of fun.

With its beautiful soprano solos, especially the Domine Deus its no accident that it is a favourite piece for Amy.

And the choir was very fortunate that Amy secured her good friend and Song Company Core Artist, Susannah Lawergren for the role. With a reputation as a “beautifully clear soprano” and for “stunning vocal expression” Susannah has a busy freelance life around Sydney and Australia, performing art song, opera, oratorio and contemporary music.

To complete the program Amy chose luscious numbers from France’s artistic zenith at the fin de siècle, including Fauré’s much-loved Cantique de Jean Racine, and other works by Fauré, Debussy and Saint Seans. And we delved back into the French Renaissance for some light-hearted madrigals. It was a challenging program for the choir with much quite difficult music, but as is always the case with a lot of hard work it all came together for a sell-out concert in Wentworth Falls and a more relaxed autumn afternoon in at the beautiful Hoskins church in Lithgow.

Musical Director, Amy Moore, led the choir, soloist, and accompanist Janette Norcott. 

3pm Saturday 27 April: Wentworth Falls School of Arts

3pm Sunday 28 April: Hoskins Uniting Church, Lithgow