Western Suburbs Weekly

May 19 2009

Author: Louise Bettison

A new generation of singers with a love of Renaissance period music and plenty of vocal talent to boot take to the stage at Government House Ballroom on Friday.

Music of the Spheres is the latest offering by the dynamic ensemble Giovanni Consort, mixing muc-loved pieces by Ramsay and Monteverdi, and works they believe deserve greater exposure, inspired by the planets, sun or stars.

Such musical diversity was one of the attractions for the St George's College resident and political science student Tim McNamara, who joined after honing his skills with the St George's Cathedral Choir.

While experiencing "a bit of dance" in balancing his semi-professional music career with exams, he is looking forward to performing with the choir on his 21st birthday.

"There is something about creating music that is so rewarding, so I find rehearsing just as good as performing, although it is lovely to have people there enjoying it with us," the Scotch College graduate said.

"I prefer Renaissance music and especially 17th century works like what we are doing, but my favorite in this concert is the last piece and sole exception, as it is a minimalist piece from 1966 by Ligeti."

The choir formed 15 years ago and performs in siveral languages, with members given an interpreted explanation of a work's meaning to aid performance.

UWA primary teaching student David Penco joined the choir four years ago, after a history of church music.

"We spend a lot of time together and it is really important that we get along, but also revel in the music we make," the Claremont bass said."For me it started as an oppotunity to be with these people, then about broadening my musical horizons."

Music of the Spheres starts at 7:30pm, tickets $28 or $20 concession through BOCS.

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