This April, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra reunites choir and orchestra for Choral Splendour, a jubilant and uplifting celebration of Baroque music at its most exhilarating. Led by Artistic Director Paul Dyer, the series marks the ensemble’s first major choral program since 2022, bringing 50 performers together on stage for a powerful showcase of musical brilliance, beauty, and sheer joy.
Choral Splendour will be performed at City Recital Hall, Sydney, from 10–15 April 2026, and Melbourne Recital Centre from 16–19 April 2026, bringing choir and orchestra together at full strength in a vibrant tribute to the grandeur and inventiveness of the Baroque.pb
The program is anchored by three of Bach‘s most iconic cantatas alongside his celebrated Double Violin Concerto in D minor – a showcase of dazzling interplay and expressive depth.
The second half moves from Telemann‘s Overture in D major to the full splendour of Handel‘s coronation anthems, Zadok the Priest and The King shall rejoice.
Repertoire highlights include Bach‘s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043, excerpts from Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147, and Wir Danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir, BWV 29, Telemann‘s Overture in D major, TWV 55:18, and Handel‘s Coronation Anthems, No. 1 HWV 258, and No. 3, HWV 260.
From moments of intimate expressiveness to sweeping ensemble grandeur, the program showcases the extraordinary scope, precision, and passion for which the Brandenburg is renowned.
Baroque violinists Shaun Lee-Chen and Ben Dollman will take the stage as soloists in Bach’s Double Violin Concerto, delivering virtuosic precision and vibrant energy to one of the composer’s most beloved works.
Among the Brandenburg Choir performers are long-serving members Wei Jiang (Soprano), Paul Tenorio (Alto), andc (Alto), whose dedication has helped shape the choir’s distinctive sound over many years. Joining them is the newest member, James Pinneri (Bass), and alumna of the Brandenburg Mentorship program, Astrid Girdis (Soprano). The Choir unites professional singers from diverse careers – from music teachers and doctors to lawyers and business managers – all guided by a shared passion for early music, with mentorship ensuring the next generation of vocalists carries forward the Brandenburg legacy.
Baroque violinist Shaun Lee-Chen says: “It’s always such a thrill to have our extraordinary Brandenburg Choir alongside us, but this series feels especially exciting. There’s something electrifying about the full forces of choir and orchestra coming together. And to share Bach’s Double Violin Concerto with my great friend and colleague Ben Dollman makes it all the more special.”
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Founder and Artistic Director Paul Dyer says: “Bach’s cantatas are an absolute gold mine for choral singing. You could spend a lifetime with them and still be surprised by what you uncover. They contain everything: drama, tenderness, brilliance and sheer exuberance. Putting three of these iconic cantatas into one concert is rather like opening the treasure chest and deciding not to hold back. Then we let the orchestra loose in the Double Violin Concerto in D minor and crown it all with some of Handel’s most famous coronation anthems, Zadok the Priest and The King shall rejoice. It’s been far too long since we’ve had choir and orchestra together in full voice, and there is nothing quite like that sound. This will be a concert that is as jubilant as it is irresistible.”
City Recital Hall, Sydney
● Fri, 10 Apr, 7:00pm ● Sat, 11 Apr, 2:00pm ● Sat, 11 Apr, 7:00pm ● Tue, 14 Apr, 7:00pm ● Wed, 15 Apr, 7:00pm
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre
● Thu, 16 Apr, 7:00pm ● Sat, 18 Apr, 5:00pm ● Sun, 19 Apr, 5:00pm
PROGRAM
Repertoire highlights to include:
BACH Concerto for two violins in D minor, BWV 1043
BACH Excerpts from Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147
BACH Excerpts from Wir Danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir, BWV 29
TELEMANN Overture in D major, TWV 55:18
HANDEL Coronation Anthem No. 1, Zadok the Priest, HWV 258
HANDEL Coronation Anthem No. 3, The King shall rejoice, HWV 260
Sydney Arts Guide has two double passes to give away to this Friday night’s recital of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s CHOARL SYMPHONY at the City Recital Hall. Email editor.sydneyartsguide@gmail.com with AUSTRALIAN BRANDENBURG PROMOTION in the subject heading. Winners will be advised by email and tickets will be for collection at the Box Office.
