Contrasting works by Jenkins and Puccini

Heidelberg Choral Society and Orchestra are proud to present the Australian Premiere performance of Karl Jenkins’ major new work, Symphonic Adiemus. This iconic work for choir and unusual percussions will be contrasted with the popular Messa di Gloria of Giacomo Puccini.

Since it was first heard in 1994, Karl Jenkins’s work has captured the imaginations of music-lovers worldwide thanks to its unique combination of classical principles with the flavors of the world and ethnic music. The first release in the series, Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary, has sold over 1.5 million albums worldwide

Symphonic Adiemus, which received its first UK performance in London in late 2017, is a challenging and innovative work, drawing on and extending earlier works. Through his use of invented language, unusual rhythms and extensive and rarely-heard percussion Jenkins pushes the boundaries of new music development.

Unashamedly operatic, the young Puccini’s Messa di Gloria reflects the influence of Puccini’s hero, Verdi, and provides a foretaste of his later major works. The joyous themes which run throughout the work complement the exuberant nature of Jenkin’s work, and provide an orchestral contrast which will make this a concert not to be missed.

Soloists Nathan Lay (baritone) and Timothy Reynold (tenor) also feature in the program.