ST PATRICK’S Cathedral echoed to the sounds of singing voices in a fitting celebration of 20 years of Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields.
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Starting the 2015 festival on Friday night was a rendition of Johann Sebastian Bach’s St Matthew Passion, directed by Gary Ekkel.
More than 700 people packed
St Patrick’s Cathedral for the opening recital, which saw the choirs of Newman College, the new Consort of Melbourne and
St Michael’s College come together.
Festival chairman and treasurer Voi Williams said the night was a huge success.
“It was a wonderful night of wonderful music played by extraordinary musicians,” she said.
“The whole program on the night was such a success.
“There was enormous vibe afterwards.
“The piece of music is rarely played so it is a real coup for Ballarat to put on such a great bit of music, and I think that’s why so many people came up from Melbourne and interstate.”
The weekend proved to be just as much a success, with the Loreto College Chapel also filling to capacity for the recorder and classical accordion treasures, with soloists Genevieve Lacey and James Crabb performing.
But the biggest performance came from David Hobson, who played for an audience of more than 500 at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday.
“There was enormous interest in that recital,” Ms Williams said.
“He is an international star, and much more than an opera singer; his range of music is so wide
it appeals to so many people and, of course, he is a famous Ballarat son.
“People were so anxious to get more of his voice.”
Mr Hobson said he was thrilled to be a part of the festival.
“It was nice to do something pure and totally acoustic,” he said.
With another week of recitals ahead, Ms Williams said there would be something for all types of music lovers.
“Just about everything is a highlight,” she said.
“Carngham Uniting Church is always a popular venue, and having Louisa Hunter Bradley, who is, of course, another international star, it will be very popular again.
“Then we will spend the day in Maldon. We have done this in the past, but not for a couple of years.
“There will be a solo cellist, which is quite different ... that will be beautiful.”
Highlighted as more than just organ music, Ms Williams said it was the perfect chance for locals to experience a real taste of world- renowned musicians.
“Many in the community might find themselves surprised.”
The festival will continue until Sunday, January 18.
Visit www.ballarat.com/organs for a full program.
alicia.thomas@fairfaxmedia.com.au
