Voice for the ages: Richard Gill leads the Sydney Chamber Choir

A double bill of contrasting choral masterworks will form Richard Gill’s first program as music director.

Conductor Richard Gill will perform in Hobart. For Pulse

A double bill of contrasting choral masterworks will form Richard Gill’s first program as music director of the Sydney Chamber Choir on Saturday as the ensemble embarks on its 41st season.

Guillaume de Machaut’s reflection on medieval spirituality, Messe de Notre Dame, will be performed alongside Carl Orff’s “paean to the gluttony, lust, longing and laughter of medieval humanity”, Carmina Burana. Sacred and Profane also will feature pieces by Josie Gibson, Michael Paton and Olivia Swift, and include performances by University of Sydney percussion ensemble Splash, the NSW Public School Singers and baritone Alexander Knight.

The inclusion of young talent reflects the role of Gill as a leading music educator: last year he created the National Music Teacher Mentoring Program for primary schools, promoting the idea that singing is fundamental to the development of children’s musicality.

“As an enthusiast for the role of music in all our lives from childhood to forever, I’m thrilled that this concert continues the choir’s impressive legacy of forging new collaborations, and especially with our younger school singers,” says Gill.