This is our first concert for 2024. Of course it is the year of the Paris Olympics, so a French theme was inevitable! However, we wanted cheer on Aussie talent, so our full theme became 'From Dreamtime to Duruflé'. We look forward to entertaining you with a full range of old and new Australian and French music, plus an Australian and French afternoon tea after the concert.

The major work in this concert is a Requiem by the 20th century composer and organist Maurice Duruflé. Initially composed in 1948, it was revised in 1961. We will perform the final 1961 version with the Monash Chorale Chamber Orchestra and organist Geoff Urquhart. This requiem is the equivalent of French impressionist art where dots of colour create an impression of a landscape. This work is a soundscape made from multiple types of sound which create the musicality of the full Requiem. As you listen to it, sit back and enjoy the overall sound of this complex work, as you would enjoy an impressionist painting.

Another 19th century French delight is an Australian premier performance of a 'Sanctus' by French composer Charles Gounod. This piece of music was lost for over 100 years, but found by .... come to the concert to hear this surprising story!

We will also perform new 21st century Australian works by two Australian composers, Deborah Cheetham AO and Eddie Perfect. Deborah Cheetham's song 'Beneath the Wings of Bunjil' was comissioned for the opening of Bunjil Place in Narre Warren, while Eddie Perfect's 'A Place by the River' was commissioned for the opening of the refurbished Hamer Hall. We will sing the choral version of this, arranged by another Melbourne musician, Kate Sadler.

And there's more - from within the Monash Chorale! We will perform an Australian bush ballad
'Drought and Rain', composed by two of our talented members, Ken McGregor (lyrics) and Roger King (music).

While these are highlights, there are other works in the concert which we look forward to sharing
with you in this wonderful Australian and French music event on Sat May 25th. Don't think of doing anything else on this afternoon. Come and join us!