A new community choir takes flight

Esteemed British choral conductor Eamonn Dougan took the helm of The Song Company’s newly formed Coronation Choir at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct over one festive weekend in May. Renowned for his work with the world’s leading vocal groups including The Sixteen and Britten Sinfonia Voices, Eamonn led a group of keen community members alongside The Song Company’s professionals to rehearse a celebratory program of choral works.

“Music making should be fun whether you’re working with pro or community choirs. That’s something I always strive for,” said Eamonn. “There’s a great enthusiasm in the room to do it as well as we can.”

The Song Company formed the Coronation Choir to share Eamonn’s wealth of experience. Performing Handel’s Zadok the Priest, a selection of Coronation Anthems and other music for royal occasions by Handel and Purcell, the choir had two days of intensive rehearsal before performing for an audience at the end of the weekend.

“A lot of our participants are already in community choirs, so it’s a chance for them to upskill and have the opportunity to sing with The Song Company and work with professional artists,” said Co-Artistic Director Jessica O’Donoghue.

“We’re so excited to keep this as a yearly tradition if we possibly can,” added The Song Company Co-Artistic Director Amy Moore.