Our Repertoire
If you cannot teach me to fly, teach me to sing. J M Barrie
From its beginnings in 1968 Maroondah Singers established itself as a choir with a wide variety of repertoire concentrating mainly on short works. These songs were from different times and genres and included classical, sacred, opera, film and musical theatre, folk and popular songs.
This diversity has continued until today. Works of the great classical and opera composers such as Mozart and Verdi were sung in the choir’s early days and still have a place in our programs, and our library now has works by composers such as Vivaldi, Rossini, and Elgar. In the last decade beautiful works by modern classical composers such as Robat Arwyn, Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo have been excellent additions.
Our sacred music includes works from the great composers referred to above, but also African American spirituals, anthems, and modern songs.
The folk song tradition is a rich source of music and folk songs continue to be included in our programs.
Popular songs and jazz standards from all eras and styles such as those by composers such as George Gershwin and Irving Berlin as well as those by more recent composers such as Billy Joel, Elton John and Randy Newman are performed.
We sing songs from the great musicals as far back as the 1920’s, and from musicals of more recent decades, as well as old and new ballads, reflecting particular events or times such as those remembering war and conflict, migration, separation, love and loss.
In recent years the choir has embarked upon learning songs in Hebrew, Japanese, Italian and Latin which has added to the authenticity of the performance.
Each year we have a Christmas concert which includes traditional carols, popular and classical Christmas songs. This concert includes participation from the audience which is enjoyed by everyone.
Having a vocal scholar each year makes it possible for the choir to experience singing choruses with a soloist.
In 2013, the choir joined Maroondah Symphony Orchestra and other choirs to perform G F Handel’s Messiah. In 2015 this was followed by a performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, and in 2017, Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah. This tradition of performing together with other musical groups every two years is now well established and allows our choristers to experience magnificent works by great composers.