Founded in 1977 by Roger Wellman, the Oriana Chorale is an auditioned group of professional and amateur musicians who are dedicated to quality performance of diverse selection of choral music. Oriana’s mission is enriching the cultural life of Canberra with choral music projects of the highest standard, both a capella and with instrumental accompaniment, when it is called for. The Chorale repertoire ranges from Schütz, Tallis and Byrd, to Rachmaninov, Pärt, Whitacre, and contemporary Australian composers.
Directed by Dan Walker, the Chorale presents three major concerts each year, often with associate artists, and is a regular participant in the Canberra International Music Festival as well as a collaborator of prominent vocal ensembles such as The Song Company and The Tallis Scholars. In addition, Oriana takes part in a range of activities across the ACT and surrounding region, including a long-standing tradition of contributing to the festivities at the ANU University House dinners. Members of the community have the opportunity to join the Chorale for its annual choral workshops.
At the Wednesday Choral Concert Oriana Chorale will be singing Great Southern Spirit: 1. Wirindji 2. Kondalilla 3. Mulga 4. Uluru by Stephen Leek
Conductor
Composer, conductor and performer Dan Walker is one of Australia’s most in-demand choral specialists. He has had works commissioned by the Sydney Symphony, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Gondwana Choirs and Halcyon. As a performer, Dan is a member of the professional vocal ensemble ‘The Consort of Melbourne’, Sydney-based Cantillation, and Pinchgut Opera. He has been a guest performer with The Song Company and was a founding member of early music ensemble ‘The Parson’s Affayre’. He is a keenly sought-after conductor, appearing as chorus-master for the Sydney and Melbourne Symphony Choruses, and is Artistic Director of Choristry and Habeas Chorus, the choir for the Melbourne legal community.