ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
Hear some of the best choral music from the United Kingdom and the USA in Vocalective’s newest concert, Across The Atlantic.
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS
IMAGE PAZ TASSONE
UNDER THE DIRECTION of Michael Loughlin, this one-hour concert brings together a carefully curated program of lyrical, reflective, and uplifting works. Audiences can enjoy beloved choral favourites alongside contemporary gems.
Highlights include the radiant beauty of Morten Lauridsen’s ‘Sure on This Shining Night’, the haunting simplicity of Randall Thompson’s ‘Alleluia’, and the deep lyricism of Stephen Paulus’ ‘The Road Home.’
The program also features music by distinguished composers such as John Rutter, Gustav Holst, Edward Elgar, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and Florence Price, alongside engaging arrangements including Billy Joel’s ‘And So It Goes.’
Vocalective Music Director and Conductor Michael Loughlin says he is confident the audience can enjoy the varied, mostly secular, selection.
“The British pieces pay tribute to well-known and loved composers such as John Rutter, Gustave Holset and Edward Elgar, and the immensely popular younger composer, organist and choir director, Anna Lapwood,” he says.
“There are a couple of pieces by my father, George Loughlin. Some of you may remember our premier performance of his Saint Cecilia’s Day in 2023.”
Also featured, keeping it in the family, is a short, fun work by George’s brother Joseph on nursery rhyme themes.
Adding a distinctive voice to the program are original and imaginative arrangements by Joe Loughlin and George Loughlin, including ‘The River God’s Song’, ‘Six Nursery Rhymes’ and ‘Johnny Come Down to Hilo’.
On the American side, concert-goers can experience classic pieces by Morten Lauridsen, Randall Thompson, Stephen Paulus, Florence Price, and Amy Beach.
“There is also an excerpt from the musical, Wicked, and a beautiful arrangement of Billy Joel’s And So It Goes,” says Loughlin.
From serene and meditative moments to lively and character pieces, Across the Atlantic promises an afternoon of evocative storytelling, rich harmony, and musical beauty.
Keen to hear more from Vocalective? The following Saturday, they join the Darwin Symphony Orchestra in their Shakespeare & Symphony concert, also featured in this edition of Off The Leash. Two great concerts for the Dry season!
“We are thrilled to be performing a most beautiful work with the orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Serenade to Music,” Loughlin says.
“Williams chose text from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, so Vocalective is presenting some wonderful choral music on both occasions.”
Across the Atlantic
WHEN SUN 16 AUG | 4.30PM
AT DARWIN MEMORIAL UNITING CHURCH
COST $10-$25
INFO facebook.com/vocalective.singers
