Our current concert series is dedicated to the memory of loved ones - both present and past. Focused on music of the Romanticism of the 18th and 19th centuries, the programme includes some of the most intimate music of Johannes Brahms inspired and composed whilst living in the home of Robert and Clara Schumann. The concert includes two excerpts from Brahms' "Ein Deutsches Requiem" (A German Requiem) as well as his "Schicksalslied" (Song of Fate).
Our programme includes 2 songs dedicated to the memory of Maria Felicia Malibran, a Spanish singer who was one of the best know opera singers of the 19th century. Known for her dramatic intensity, she became a legendary figure after her untimely death in Manchester at the age of 28.
The second part of our programme features Mozart's Requiem composed in 1791 and unfinished at the time of his death on 5th December that same year. The performance of this famous piece commemorates Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, exactly 235 years since his passing.
The occasion has been further celebrated by our own chorister/poet, John Hornsey in his poem "Moments with Mozart (Lachrymosa)"
To purchase tickets, please go to our performances page above
Moments with Mozart (Lachrymosa)
Into the deep dawn stillness
Not even the sounds of falling leaf,
Not even the mournful cry of curlew.
The whole world wrapped
In a curtain of silence slowly opening
To allow a floatation of people to music
From yesterday’s song:
The Director once more before us,
Hands clasped, face aglow, thanking us
For what we, the choristers, had just given him,
Our own gratitude flushing back
To embrace him, his passion and teaching,
Then, wider still, to encompass
The much loved Angel at the keys,
Even unto our sisters and brothers in song,
Who, standing together as one voice, had risen
And shared the moment.
John Hornsey
Gold Coast Choir & Chorus
Coolamon Singers chorus has been a welcoming cultural presence in beautiful Burleigh Heads on
the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia for 30 years. The Gold Coast choir welcomes singers of all ages and
backgrounds and performs a wide range of four-part choral music with a focus on
classical and sacred repertoire while also enjoying opera, light classical, and
contemporary arrangements. The choir takes pride in singing in at least five different
languages. It performs three major concert programs each year in various venues on the
Gold Coast.
The aim of Coolamon Singers is to create a dynamic group of singers committed to
continual growth and development in choral singing and musicianship, and to create
bonds with listening audiences and boost community pride through its concerts.
Coolamon Singers seeks to be a cultural force throughout the Gold Coast region, bringing
transformative musical performances that inspire and enrich. From time to time the choir
collaborates with other instrumental ensembles, orchestras and musicians. Recent
collaborations have included a full-scale performance of Vivaldi's Gloria RV 589 with
the Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra and a concert of Chiaroscuro (Music of Light
and Darkness) which featured Fauré’s Requiem and highlighted internationally acclaimed
soprano, Gaynor Morgan.
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Marco Bellasi
Musical Director
In 2021, award-winning conductor Marco Bellasi accepted the role of Coolamon Singers Musical Director, and so began a renaissance in the choir’s journey. Maestro Bellasi brings outstanding international experience as both a conductor and choir master in Europe, the UK and Australia. A favourite with audiences because of his lively and informative introductions to the works being performed, Marco aims to make concerts musically educational while being richly entertaining. His well-researched program notes are especially well-received by audiences. Meanwhile, choir members benefit from rehearsals rich with invaluable background on the music -its composer, the style and period, the historical context - shared by the Conductor to elevate understanding of the music.
Ayesha Gough
Accompanist
Australian pianist Ayesha Gough is developing her own style of unique and engaging performances grounded in traditional pianism. Her passion for finding new ways to connect with audiences has seen her branch out into the fields of improvisation, videography, and creative writing. As the recipient of the 2022 Michael Kieran Harvey Scholarship, she has developed Landings: an exploration of Australian musical identity through improvisation, poetry, and film created within multiple landscapes. Landings is viewable on her YouTube channel. First prize-winner at the 2015 Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition, Ayesha performed with the Russian National Orchestra in December 2018, under the baton of Mikhail Pletnev, as part of a concert held in memory of Lev Vlassenko.
Support the Music
Get Behind the Choir
There are so many ways in which you can show your support for Coolamon Singers. Sponsorships, donations and attending concerts are only a few of the ways in which you can get involved with this wonderful choir. Contact them today to find out how you can make your contribution to the musical culture of the Gold Coast.