Redland singers Lily Forbes and Heather McCann are among the female voices featured in Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.3 being staged at the QPAC concert hall at 7.30pm on November 24.
Lily, 16, of Victoria Point is one of 39 voices from Voices of Birrilee, something she has been a member of for seven years. Her parents Michelle and Tony manage the choir and older sister Shelby, 20 is a member of the company’s Resonance choir.
Lily said she was enjoying the challenge and the diversity of singing the symphony.
“It is so diverse and a unique thing to do. It only happens once a year. Being in a choir offers you friendships and experiences that can change your life,” she said.
Heather, 20, of Birkdale is among the QPAC choir contingent, describing the music as both powerful and motivating.
“There is one part when we sing in unison. It is very ethereal and moving. I feel privileged to be a part of this,” Heather said.
The concert will be conducted by Alondra de la Parra with soloist mezzo soprano Lilli Paasikivi
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.3 is considered a bright and extroverted score, known for its grandeur, poetic melodies and show-stopping brilliance.
The symphony scans a vast perspective of the composer’s views on the human condition.
Paasikivi returns to the Queensland Symphony Orchestra from her native Finland to sing this vocally-infused work. Previously, she sang in our Das Lied von der Erdeand the Rückert Lieder to great acclaim. Passsikivi is considered an ideal match for Mahler’s magnificent works.
Voices of Birralee has about 400 members, aged five to 35 years across six ensembles. The program is committed to developing caring and responsible citizens through music and ensembles are recognised at home and abroad for professionalism and quality.
Highlights have included Voices of Birralee's current five-year commitment to the Department of Veterans' Affairs to sing at First World War centenary commemorations on the Western Front, in France and Belgium, winning Choir of the World at Kathaumixw, Canada, gold and silver medals at the World Choir Games in Graz, Austria and performing at the ppening and closing Ceremonies of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Mahler tickets range from $69 to $117. Book on 136 246 or visit qpac.com.au (a transaction fee of $7.20 applies).
