Phoenix Choir

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Introducing Albert Morris

3 pm, Saturday 28 November, Phillips Hall, Blackheath

World premier! Excerpts from the contemporary oratorio by our Musical Director, Rowen Fox

Albert Morris was an Australian amateur botanist and ecologist, who pioneered the use of natural revegetation techniques to restore degraded landscapes around Broken Hill in the 1930s. Albert, his wife, Margaret, and members of the Broken Hill Barrier Field Naturalists Club worked together to establish regeneration reserves, which still exist today. These reserves transformed the town. Albert’s work and discoveries remain relevant to current bush regeneration efforts.

Rowen’s libretto is based on several original sources, including Albert and Margaret’s own words, taken from articles they wrote about the regeneration scheme for local newspapers. Albert Morris is a work in progress. The first choruses were commissioned by Phoenix members in 2020. Introducing Albert Morris features additional choruses and arias completed since that time. The choir will be joined by an 8-piece orchestra and tenor and soprano soloists.