BE CAPTIVATED BY SELDOM PERFORMED CLASSICAL MUSIC

In July and August this year, the Gold Coast’s Coolamon Singers will treat lovers of classical music on the Gold Coast and Northern NSW, to a rare and seldom performed selection of music from the Middle Ages through to modern times.

The concert, entitled Mass in Time of War invites the audience to meditate on the current global conflict, as music from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century captures all the colours and emotions of war - the horror, the noble deeds and the eventual victory and hopeful peace.

Audiences will experience and enjoy a traditional folk song of the Middle Ages, choral music by Josquin de Pres, considered to be the greatest composer of the renaissance, Joseph Haydn, the most celebrated and innovative composer of the 18th century, Karl Jenkins, a contemporary and prolific Welsh composer and musician working in the diverse fields of jazz, rock and classical music, and Matt Ottley, an award-winning contemporary artist, author and composer living in Northern NSW.

The choir’s Pianist will also give a stunning recital of music written by Sergei Prokofiev, one of the major composers of the 20th century.

Coolamon Singers will give three performances at:

St Augustine’s Catholic Church Coolangatta on July 18 at 2:30pm

Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters on July 25 at 1:00pm

Good Shepherd Anglican Church Mudgeeraba on August 8 at 2:30pm

Tickets for Coolamon Singers’ concert, Mass in Time of War, can be purchased at

Coolamon Singers inc, based in Burleigh Heads, sings four-part choral music. Its primary purpose is to bring joy to both its members and audiences, performing to a high standard, and promoting choral excellence in the Gold Coast and surrounding areas.

The choir also fosters young vocal talent with an annual scholarship scheme. This gives budding young singers the opportunity to be mentored by the choir’s highly skilled Music Director to further develop their talent, and to perform with an experienced choir.

Since the appointment of its current Music Director, Marco Bellasi, the choir has undergone a transformation, reaching new heights of choral performance. His infectious enthusiasm, energy, passion for music and skills across the musical spectrum, has provided the guidance and leadership to attempt sometimes difficult but inspirational and transformative works, as clearly demonstrated by this concert programme.

A key figure in this renaissance is the choir’s virtuoso Pianist, Ayesha Gough, a prizewinning international Concert Pianist who grew up in Northern NSW. In 2015, Ayesha won first prize in the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition, and is now on the adjudication panel for the next competition in this series. Ayesha has performed in many countries around the world and currently performs throughout South East Queensland and Northern NSW.

The choir has struck a chord with many audiences in recent years, with typical comments as follows.

“I would like to express my support for the Coolamon Singers, Gold Coast. This is the only choir in the region which is committed to quality and diversity in their programming of several concerts during the year.” - GM

“Tina and I have been so thoroughly impressed by the quality of both the singing and the repertoire that we feel the Coolamon Singers are a vital cultural group within the Gold Coast area. …. Thank you for giving to the Gold Coast/Northern Rivers such a high quality, sophisticated on-going musical experience.” - MO

“In a desert of artistry that is the Gold Coast, this is an oasis.”

“world class” - HV

The concerts will feature the notable Brisbane professionals: cellist and teacher Belinda Manwaring, tenor Gregory Massingham from Opera Queensland and Mezzo Soprano Jasmine Kaye. The choir’s own soloists Lorelle Moller and Dan Major will also be performing.