NEWS & REVIEWS
"Immediately striking from the first movement of this performance was the Australian Boys Choir’s beauty of tone…Director and conductor Nicholas Dinopoulos must be congratulated for his assured presence at the podium, a testimony to some careful preparation of young talent. To bring together the numerous forces required in a nuanced performance of a new vision of Bach’s music is work that continues to inspire as much as it consoles the soul with some of the sweetest music the world has as its heritage."
★★★★☆ "The glorious Agnus Dei, with all four soloists combining beautifully, complemented by the 50 voices and strings, brass and drums, brought this excellent program to a close. Dinopoulos led a tight and well-judged performance, leaving those who had attended either live or digitally with some superb musical memories of this Austrian Encounter."
★★★★ "With its insightful programming, wide community engagement and high artistic standards, the Australian Boys Choir and its affiliate groups have much to celebrate in their 80th anniversary year."
★★★★☆ "A sage colleague once commented that you can always measure the health of a country’s culture by how well its children sing. Based on this performance by the Australian Boys Choir in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne on Sunday afternoon we’re doing pretty well."
"The success of this performance was built on the vocal texture achieved. The uniqueness of boys' voices in creating an almost celestial aesthetic has long been the desired goal in sacred music."
"It is clear that the Australian Boys Choral Institute is in very good hands. This was a courageous program showing deep thought about the choir, its history and future, and its place in contemporary Australia."
"You won't suffer from lack of variety at an Australian Boys Choir concert...assured, well-balanced and an ideal sample of the finest contemporary music-making for Christmas."
Michael Haydn has been relegated almost entirely to the ranks of the neglected. Completely overshadowed today by his older brother Joseph, he was however no less respected during his time. Composing a vast array of both instrumental and vocal music, Michael Haydn is only now beginning to enjoy a renaissance of sorts, but much of his music is yet to enter the realm of regular performance in either church or concert settings. Learn more here.
By the time he wrote this piece in 1771 as a 15-year-old, the young Mozart already had a considerable list of credits to his name. Written back home in Salzburg shortly after his return from Italy, the Litaniae Lauretanae K. 109 reflects the ‘modern Italian’ style of the 18th century. Click here to read more.
Joseph Haydn is one of the most important composers of the Classical era and was widely celebrated during his lifetime. He is credited with making considerable developments in the genres of the symphony, the string quartet and piano trio, but also composed a significant body of vocal music including operas and devotional music. Click here to read more.
Michael Haydn has almost faded into obscurity. The younger brother of the now much more famous Joseph Haydn, his music is no less impressive. We are thrilled to present the Australian premiere of Michael Haydn's Litaniae Lauretanae MH 71. Click here to learn more about this fascinating piece.
Mozart wrote this charming work in 1775 or 1775 for in Salzburg while he was employed as a court musician in Salzburg. His works during this period show a verve and enthusiasm, and also often his tremendous sense of humour. The 'Spatzenmesse' (or 'Sparrow Mass') is no exception. Discover more here.
