From chaos to harmony; that is the theme of the North Island Choral Society’s spring concert – a presentation of Joseph Haydn’s dramatic work, The Creation.
Featuring a 60-voice choir, five soloists and orchestra, all under the direction of Paul Colthorpe, this will be an enthralling musical experience.
The Creation is the most ambitious work NICS has taken on in over four years. It is an oratorio, which means that it tells a story, similar to an opera, but without sets, costumes or movement. The story of the first six days of creation is narrated by three archangels, with the chorus often celebrating the work accomplished each day.
It begins with a Representation of Chaos, and each new creation is depicted with lavish tone painting. The audience will experience the wonder of Let there be Light, where they will feel the “tempestuous rolling waves,” see the “flowers sweet and gay,” and hear the lark, the nightingale and the dove.
Later the choir will guide the audience to the Garden of Eden to witness the happiness of Adam and Eve, before the powerful conclusion, where all Sing the Lord and Utter thanks.
Five soloists will be featured singing the major roles. The three archangels will be played by soprano Jennifer Rasor (Gabriel), tenor Orlando Wiebe (Uriel), and baritone Michael McKinnon, who will sing the roles of both Raphael and Adam.
In addition, soprano Carol Anne Parkinson will portray Eve, and Shante van Horlick will join us for an alto solo.
The public is invited to attend this melodic, thematic portrayal of the world’s (re)-creation from chaos to harmony, which will take place at St. George’s United Church at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12 and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.
Tickets are available at the Blue Heron bookstore, Benjamin Moore House of Colour, and for the first time, online at www.northislandchoral.ca