Voices of Birralee

Written for the Qld In Song 2022 Concert Series this piece was first performed by the Birralee Singers. Abigail was inspired to write about playing at the beach as a child and not just creating sandcastles but the imaginary worlds that brought the sandcastles to life. This work for SA choir and piano is available for purchase at www.singscore.com.au

The Qld in Song 2022 Concert Series saw the first performance of this new work by Ally Dunk. Ally worked with the Birralee Singers, workshopping ideas about what they loved to do in the summer school holidays. Ally brought those ideas together in this fun, energetic piece for SA choir and piano. The first performance was given by a massed primary school choir. To purchase this score visit www.allydunkmusician.com.au

At a Queensland in Song concert to celebrate Queensland choral music and a theme of representing people, places and sounds of our state Voices of Birralee was keen to include a piece that reflected our multicultural society. Dr Charulatha Mani was approached to create a piece and excitedly undertook writing a work that drew on her skills as a world renowned vocal performer of South Indian Karnatik Music.

This piece draws inspiration from the Brisbane river or Meeanjin/Maiwar in the Turrbal language. Drawing on melodic and rhythmic principles of South Indian Karnatik music, Dr Mani has set the piece on Raga, called ‘Hamsadhwani’, literally translating to ‘sound of the swan’. Dr Mani has composed the text in Sanskrit, the ancient vedic language.

The choir were challenged not just by the melodic and harmonic language but the bold inflections, intricate embellishments, and idiosyncrasies typical of singing in this Karnatik style.

Written for SATB choir, unaccompanied the score can be purchased from the composer.

Charu speaks about the creation of the piece here.