The Song Company is a well established, internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble that celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. Over that time artistic direction has been by Charles Colman (founder), Roland Peelman and Anthony Pitts, with Jessica O’Donoghue and Amy Moore currently sharing the role. It has continually produced an exceptional quality of music, usually in six individual part arrangements, and has maintained a good following and reputation in music circles. The ensemble currently tours Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Blackheath and Canberra, doing three or four programs each year, and offer annual subscriptions.
The end of year program for 2024 was HARK, a collection of songs curated by Andrew O’Connor, underpinned by an understanding of Christmas blessing not only in terms of a transcendental big story of angels and wise men and divine acts, but more in terms of immanent rebirth that reaches into everyday and ordinary life. Wonder is all around – in streets and crowds as well as churches.
The ecclesiastical stained glass cathedral setting melted in the staging of six singers under musical and program direction of Andrew O’Connor. Andrew interspersed music pieces with poems that resonated with fresh perspective of new life and wonder in the everyday. He read the poems with a voice that benefited from his musical profile. Andrew directed the team through thirteen song items, including compositions by Australians – Andrew Ford, Lyle Chan, Owen Elsley, Brooke Shelley, Anne Cawse; British – Herbert Howells, Bob Chilcott; British / Norwegian – Andrew Smith and American Matthew Culloton. Also included was European music from 1500’s – di Lasso and Clemens non Papa. Lyrics were in several languages- Portuguese, Latin, Norwegian – as well as english.
The accapella singing of Susannah Lawergren, Amy Moore, Jessica O’Donoghue, Timothy Reynolds, Hayden Barrington and Andrew O’Connor was quietly serene, crisp, and very loving. It seemed consciously to balance the paradox of the divine and the everyday that is at the core of christian belief. and harmonies were, so to speak, heavenly. Light crisp pure music soared to a rich crescendo at times, with perfect pitch and diction. The music was like sipping a perfectly long distilled rich wine, with dulcet tones and taste. The singers brought personal warmth in the smaller, even intimate spaces of the Wollongong cathedral.
A discerning audience was most appreciative, with sustained and standing applause. A performance needs to be assessed in its own terms, and there is nothing to flaw in this presentation. Good luck to the Song Company in 2025 and times ahead – they continually find a fresh perspective for music. Congratulations on the remarkable milestone already passed. How many Australian artistic groups can boast a 40 year heritage.
The Song Company deserves our support. Next year’s program can be found at the group’s website:
