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Past Concerts / Projects 2023 - onwards

Free Christmas Carols

29 November 2024, Melbourne CBD

Katherine will feature as Principal Soprano for this free Christmas Concert.

Celebrate the first lighting of the City’s Christmas tree, the opening of Christmas Square at Fed Square and the launch of the City of Melbourne’s Christmas Festival. Each year, the first lighting of the Christmas tree hearkens the beginning of the festive season in Melbourne. Join in this special, free celebration!

Consort sets [different] 19:10-19:30 & 20:10-20:30.

The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Monika Harris, Alex Ritter, Hannah Pietsch, Anish Nair, Alex Gorbatov, Lachlan McDonald and Steven Hodgson (Director)

https://fedsquare.com/events/christmas-launch

Homophonic! RESPECT

10 November 2024, Shepparton Brewery

Works for voices and strings inspired by intergenerational conversations between queer Victorian composers and seniors. This is emotional, powerful storytelling; maintaining our shared cultural queer history through music, humour, and a healthy dose of shared outrage.

Performed by Miranda Hill, The Consort of Melbourne and the Homophonic! String Quintet.

The Consort of Melbourne features the of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Alex Ritter, Robin Parkin, Ben Owen and Steven Hodgson (Director).

Repertoire: Meta Cohen Swerve (Jenni George), Caerwen Martin I am who I am (Yvonne Sillett), Kym Alexandra Dillon Robbie's Daydream, Andrew Aronowicz Blown Away (Peter Harbinson)

APRA Screen Music Awards 

29 October 2024, Forum Theatre Melbourne 

​Katherine featured as Principal Soprano for The Consort of Melbourne for the APRA Screen Music Awards, directed by Erkki Veltheim

The Consort of Melbourne - Port Fairy Spring Music Festival

11-13 October 2024, Reardon Theatre, Port Fairy

Three concerts, including Opening Gala: 'Cosmos', Josh Piterman 'All the World's a Stage' and Closing Gala: 'Planets' 

The Consort of Melbourne - Electric Cathedral

3-5 October 2024, Bluestone Arts Space, Footscray

Step into Electric Cathedral, a groundbreaking multi-media experience featuring six ‘a capella’ (unaccompanied) singers within a projected digital environment. Here, luminous human forms dance around you - a 'virtual cathedral' cast in digital stained glass. Against this backdrop, the haunting voices of The Consort of Melbourne guide you through uniquely human questions, in glorious six-part vocal harmony: How do we begin? How do we live, love, and face mortality? Delve into the essence of these experiences, exploring their meaning in our modern world. This 60-minute feast for the senses is a vivid audio-visual expression of how a new, contemporary, human spirituality might look and sound, and how a person’s desire to remain deeply human might be expressed in a digital age. A world-premiere season, with music by Kevin March, text by ReVerse Butcher and Kylie Supski, and digital sculptures and environments by ReVerse Butcher. The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Alex Ritter, Robin Parkin, Lachlan McDonald and Steven Hodgson (Director).

MSO's Eumeralla: A War Requiem for Peace

11 September 2024, The Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Eumeralla, a War Requiem for Peace brings into focus a period of Australia’s history that is yet to be fully understood. Written and composed by acclaimed Yorta Yorta soprano, composer and Artistic Director of Short Black Opera, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, this requiem for peace, will be sung entirely in the ancient dialects of the Gunditjmara people. Katherine Norman, and Marjorie Butcher, joined the voices of Dhungala Children's Choir for thi incredibly moving work. 

1930 11 September 2024, Sydney Opera House

 

The Consort of Melbourne - I Heart Artemis

24-25 August 2024, Jack's Magazine, Maribyrnong

The Consort of Melbourne recorded this ground-breaking new piece by award-winning composer Wally Gunn and librettist Maria Zajkowski.

Rendered in stunning six-part vocal harmony, I heart Artemis is a concert-length reimagining of Greek mythology; goddesses Athena and Artemis meet, fall in love, and live a brief eternity of passion. But their paradise can’t last; on earth, men wage war, indulge their lusts, and exploit the land. The lovers must unite to defend what cannot defend itself.

I heart Artemis is a story about a mythological love and a very real crisis, which asks the most pressing questions about humanity’s future.

The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Monika Harris, Kristy Biber, Robin Parkin, Timothy Reynolds & Lachlan McDonald. Directed by Steven Hodgson.

Please enjoy this version from the MRC 

APRA Art Music Awards

14 August 2024, Malthouse Theatre

 The Consort of Melbourne were feature artists for this years APRA Art Music Awards ceremony.

A live recording of Cameron Lam's Blood Red, Leaves Green can be found here

Songs of Fire and Ice ​

21 July 2024, Wyselaskie Yuma Auditorium, Parkville

Escape the Winter chill with The Consort of Melbourne for this afternoon of luscious vocal harmony. We explore 1000 years of music on themes of fire and ice (but no throne games), featuring Poulenc's 'Un soir de neige', Elliott Gyger's explosive 'Fire in the heavens' and Vivaldi's 'Winter' from the 'Four seasons' as you've never heard it before!

Dhungala Children's Choir 16th Anniversary Concert

10 June 2024, Riverlinks Westside, Mooroopna

For thousands of years the Yorta Yorta people have passed down their traditions, language, dreaming and culture through song. Dhungala Children’s Choir is the continuation of that tradition.

On Monday June 10, 2024 Dhungala Children’s Choir celebrates 16 years!

To mark this milestone Short Black Opera returns to Riverlinks Westside to present a special concert which will launch the much anticipated Dhungala Choral Connection Song Book Volume 2. This beautiful volume of songs features the music of Yorta Yorta composer and soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, with artwork by six outstanding First Nations artists; Aunty Rochelle Patten, Minjaara Atkinson, Tina King, Ally Knight, Billy-Jay O’Toole and Steve Parker.

Joining the award winning Dhungala Children’s Choir on stage will be members of Short Black Opera Company, Ensemble Dutala, Shauntai Sherree Abdul-Rahman and Miss Lillie Walker with some of Australia’s finest orchestral musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Melbourne’s vibrant classical music community. With Soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO and special guest conductor Nicolette Fraillon AM this program is not to be missed!

Presented in partnership with Riverlinks and with the support of Creative Victoria, Creative Ventures and Indigenous Languages Australia.

10 June 2024, Riverlinks Westside, Mooroopna

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Hidden Thoughts I

21 April 2024,  Iwaki Auditorium, Southbank 

Katy Abbott’s series of works Hidden Thoughts is presented throughout 2024. Each work includes text sourced from the public, elevating the perceived ‘ordinary and mundane’ into powerful and meaningful statements of grace and kindness. The first of the series, Do I Matter?, uses anonymous answers from a survey created by Katy Abbott and writer and cartoonist Kaz Cooke asking women for their ‘hidden thoughts’. The audience at this performance is also invited to submit their responses at the concert for incorporation into the performance that day.

The Consort of Melbourne singers with feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Hannah Pietsch, Timothy Reynolds, Andrew O'Connor and Steven Hodgson

1100 Sunday 21 April 2024, Iwaki Auditorium, Southbank

The Surfer - Film Soundtrack recording

30 March 2024,  Allan Eaton Studios, St Kilda  

Soprano for The Consort of Melbourne, recording Francois Tetaz's score for The Surfer, with Musical direction by Erkki Veltheim

The Consort of Melbourne Singers: Katherine Norman, Marjorie Hannah, Jenny George, Hannah Pietsch, Alex Gorbatov, Anish Nair, Lachlan McDonald & Steven Hodgson

30 March 2024, Allan Eaton Studios, St Kilda

Little Yarra Steiner School - St John Passion

22 March 2024,  Yarra Valley, Melbourne  

Soprano & Alto Soloist for Little Steiner School's Annual performance of J.S. Bach's St John's Passion 

Directed by Damien Callan

1800 22 March 2024, Yarra Valley

Homophonic!

9 - 11 February 2024,  La Mama Courthouse, Carlton

Homophonic! is bringing the disco ball to the concert hall and celebrating the wonderful sound world of LGBTQIA+ composers today. Featuring the premiere of the Midsumma-Homophonic! Pride Prize for 2024 by Sophie Rose, performed by Judith Dodsworth. Performed by The Homophonic! Chamber ensemble and The Consort of Melbourne.

The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Alex Ritter, Hannah Pietsch, Robin Parkin, Ben Owen, Lachlan McDonald and Steven Hodgson (Director).

Reviews: Theatre Travels, LimeLight, Stage Whispers

Homophonic! RESPECT

3 February 2024, The Edge, Fed Sq, Melbourne

 

Works for voices and strings inspired by intergenerational conversations between queer Victorian composers and seniors. This is emotional, powerful storytelling; maintaining our shared cultural queer history through music, humour, and a healthy dose of shared outrage.

Performed by Miranda Hill, The Consort of Melbourne and the Homophonic! String Quintet.

The Consort of Melbourne features the of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Alex Ritter, Robin Parkin, Ben Owen and Steven Hodgson (Director).

FREE - Registrations Required: https://www.midsumma.org.au/whats-on/events/homophonic-the-respect-project/

 

Repertoire: Meta Cohen Swerve (Jenni George), Caerwen Martin I am who I am (Yvonne Sillett), Louisa Trewartha Shimmer (Max Primmer), Kym Alexandra Dillon Robbie's Daydream*, Andrew Aronowicz Blown Away (Peter Harbinson)

 * Featuring the World premiere performance of Kym Alexandra Dillon's 'Robbie's Daydream'

Your People Shall Be My People

28 January 2024,  St Michael's Uniting Church, Melbourne

A joyful service celebrating inclusive community and the courageous faith of queer people, as we claim our place in the church. Led by St Michael’s LGBTIQA+ minister, Rev Dr Margaret Mayman with St Michael’s members and friends. All are welcome to this gathering of inspiring liturgy, peaceful reflection and beautiful music.

Featuring The Consort of Melbourne LGBTIQA+ choir, singing from their Midsumma 2023 ‘Homophonic!’ repertoire.

The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Alex Ritter, Hannah Pietsch, Robin Parkin, Ben Owen, Lachlan McDonald and Steven Hodgson (Director).

Watch the Stream: Meta Cohen Sim Shalom at 10:22 and Shaw Swallow at 56:26

MSO's Eumeralla: A War Requiem for Peace

14 October 2023,  Hamer Hall, Melbourne

Eumeralla, a War Requiem for Peace brings into focus a period of Australia’s history that is yet to be fully understood. Written and composed by acclaimed Yorta Yorta soprano, composer and Artistic Director of Short Black Opera, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, this requiem for peace, will be sung entirely in the ancient dialects of the Gunditjmara people. The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Marjorie Butcher, Jenny George, Hannah Pietsch, Niki Ebacioni, Ben Owen, Anish Nair,  Alex Gorbatov, Alex Owens, Paul McDonald & Steven Hodgson. 

1930 14 October 2023, Hamer Hall, Melbourne 

Review: https://www.smh.com.au/culture/live-reviews/punjabi-superstar-diljit-dosanjh-brings-rod-laver-arena-to-fever-pitch-20231015-p5ecdk.html

ABC Recording (until 14 Nov 23) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/special-features/classic-live-mso-eumeralla/102922054

The Consort of Melbourne - Music at McClelland

20 August 2023,  McClelland Sculpture Gallery 

The Consort of Melbourne perform a program of sacred and secular masterpieces spanning three continents and 1000 years. We celebrate the glorious harmonies of the British cathedral tradition ( McDowall, Harris and Parry), the dramatic multi-choir textures of the Italian Renaissance (Victoria and Aleotti) and the expressive mastery of German Baroque and Romantic composers (Schütz and  Rheinberger), alongside stunning choral gems from Australia (Dan Walker) and the USA (Barber). Don’t miss this opportunity to hear how composers throughout Western musical history harness the power and beauty of human voices in perfect harmony.

Repertoire: Cecilia McDowall Alma redemptoris mater, William Henry Harris Faire is the Heaven, Hubert Parry There is an old belief, Tomás Luis de Victoria Super Flumina Babylonis, Raffaella Aleotti Ego flos campi; Surge, propera amica mea; Vidi speciosam, Heinrich Schütz Selig sind die Toten; Unser Wandel ist im Himmel, Josef Rheinberger Abendlied, Dan Walker Dusk, Samuel Barber To be Sung on the Water, William Byrd Ave Verum Corpus, Edward Elgar There is Sweet Music, Gianandrea Pauletta Agnus Dei, Robert Lucas Pearsall Great God of Love; Lay a Garland, Sergei Rachmaninoff Bogoroditse Devo & Grainger Londonderry Air

The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Monika Harris, Alex Ritter, Hannah Pietsch, Robin Parkin, Tim Reynolds, Alex Owens & Jerzy Kozlowski. 

1400 20 August 2023, McClelland Sculpture Gallery 

https://mcclelland.org.au/events/musicatmclelland

The Consort of Melbourne - The Heart is Burning

8 July 2023, Parkville Melbourne

Lost love songs of Maddalena Casulana

Join Melbourne’s premier vocal ensemble for an unforgettable afternoon of musical discovery as, for the first time in Australia, The Consort of Melbourne breathes life into the lost madrigals of Maddalena Casulana. Thought incomplete, the recent discovery of a lost partbook allows these captivating works to be performed for the first time in 400 years. Something of a musical celebrity of the Italian Renaissance, Casulana defied societal norms to become the first female composer to appear in print – hear the boundary-breaking music that made her the ‘muse and siren’ of her time.

 

Selections from this lost book of five-part madrigals will be interleaved with vocal gems by Claudio Monteverdi, Hubert Parry, Max Reger, Dan Walker and others – each reflecting an aspect of Casulana’s work. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate a pioneer of musical history, and the rich tradition of storytelling through intimate vocal harmony that continues today.

 

Singers: Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Hannah Pietsch, Tim Reynolds, Bailey Montgomerie & Steven Hodgson

Directed by Steven Hodgson

1500 8 July 2023, Wyselaskie Yuma Auditorium, 29 College Cres, Parkville, Melbourne 

RISING| Consort of the Moon

10 - 14 June 2023, Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne  

Co-Creators: Genevieve Lacey and Erkki Veltheim

A major new sound-work that transforms a haunting, ancient melody into an elemental experience of communal listening, both to each other and the wild earth.

Consort of the Moon imagines a new choral ritual, built from the echoes of an ancient melody.

The work layers live and hyper-real electroacoustic music to usher in a hypnotic, unifying ceremony. Audiences are welcome to participate, or simply sit and listen to a drifting, environmental soundscape that alters the collective sense of space and time.

This twilight gathering is inspired by the oldest known piece of notated song—an ode to Nikkal, Goddess of Orchards and Consort of the Moon. The music echoes the calls of owls, bats and cicadas—blurring lines between human and animal realms in a nocturnal metamorphosis.

1730 10, 12, 13 & 14 June 2023, Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne 

https://www.theatretravels.org/post/review-consort-of-the-moon-melbourne-rising-at-fitzroy-gardens

The Consort of Melbourne - Quartet

26 May 2023,  Arc One Gallery, Melbourne  

The Consort of Melbourne, sang for Arc One Gallery

The Consort of Melbourne featured the voices of Katherine Norman, Alex Ritter, Tim Reynolds & Steven Hodgson (Directing). 

1900 26 May 2023, Arc One Gallery, Melbourne 

MSO Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique (Cancelled)

14 & 15 July 2023,  Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne  

Soprano at St Michael's Uniting Service

7 April 2023

1000 St Michael's Uniting Church, Cnr Collins & Russell St, Melbourne 

Little Yarra Steiner School - St John Passion

5 April 2023,  Yarra Valley, Melbourne  

Soprano & Alto Soloist for Little Steiner School's Annual performance of J.S. Bach's St John's Passion 

Directed by Damien Callan

1800 5 April 2023, Yarra Valley

The Consort of Melbourne - Gesualdo Six Masterclass

29 March 2023,  Primrose Potter Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre

Join award-winning British vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six for a revelatory masterclass and discover more about the music you love.

Melbourne Recital Centre’s Master Class program provides essential artistic development opportunities that benefit young Australian artists and offer insights and learning for patrons as well.

The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Jenny George, Hannah Pietsch, Anish Nair, Tim Reynolds, Lachlan McDonald & Steven Hodgson

1800 29 March 2023, Primrose Potter Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre

The Consort of Melbourne - Once Were Forests Launch

14 March 2023,  Arc One Gallery, Melbourne  

The Consort of Melbourne, launched the Arc One Gallery 'Once Were Forests' Exhibition

The Consort of Melbourne featured the voices of Katherine Norman, Alex Ritter, Tim Reynolds & Steven Hodgson (Directing). 

1900 14 March 2023, Arc One Gallery, Melbourne 

 

The Consort of Melbourne - Musica Viva & Aaron Wyatt

14 March 2023,  The Edge, Fed Square, Melbourne  

The Consort of Melbourne, who are joined by viola player Aaron Wyatt in an unusual and intriguing combination of musical forces. Experience surpassingly beautiful choral works encompassing themes of loss, nostalgia, and joy, many of them by Australian composers.

The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Monika Harris, Jenny George, Hannah Pietsch, Alex Ritter, Tim Reynolds, Chris Watson, Ben Owen, Lachlan McDonald, Bailey Montgomery & Paul McDonald. 

Directed by Steven Hodgson

1100 14 March 2023, The Edge, Fed Square, Melbourne 

The Consort of Melbourne - Fairfield in Feb – Spirit

12 February 2023,  Fairfield Amphitheatre, Fairfield

The Consort of Melbourne is delighted to feature in this FREE festival - Fairfield in Feb.

Curated by Anish Nair, Fairfield in Feb presents a surprising and ever-changing feast for your ears by the beautiful banks of the Yarra River. Showcasing many vocal groups including Fiore Chamber & Alta collective alongside the Consort of Melbourne. 

Program includes works by McDowall, Aleotti, Walker & Bach

The Consort of Melbourne featured the voices of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Jenny George, Hannah Pietsch, Anish Nair, Tim Reynolds, Lachlan McDonald & Steven Hodgson (Director)

1930 12 February 2023, Fairfield Amphitheatre, Fairfield

The Consort of Melbourne - 3MBS Marathon Concert 3 – Spirit

11 February 2023,  Elizabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre 

In the hands of David Griffiths with Artamidae Quartet, Mozart’s iconic Clarinet Quintet will scale expressive heights leading naturally to the communicative power of the human voice as magnificently displayed by the Consort of Melbourne. 

Program includes works by McDowall, Aleotti, Walker & Bach

Singers: Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Jenny George, Hannah Pietsch, Anish Nair, Tim Reynolds, Lachlan McDonald & Steven Hodgson.

Directed by Steven Hodgson

1400 11 February 2023, Elizabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre

Celebrating Queer Spirit - Justice and Joy!

29 January 2023, St Michael's Uniting Church, Melbourne 

The service will include inspiring liturgy and beautiful music that honours the spirituality and resistance of queer people of faith. Led by St Michael’s lesbian minister, Rev Dr Margaret Mayman, with St Michael’s members and friends. Featuring The Consort of Melbourne LGBTIQA+ choir, singing selections from their Midsumma 2023 ‘Homophonic!’ repertoire.

The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Alex Ritter, Hannah Pietsch, Robin Parkin, Ben Owen, Bailey Montgomerie and Steven Hodgson.

Directed by Steven Hodgson

1000 29 January 2023,  St Michael's Uniting Church, Melbourne

Guardian Review:  https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jan/30/spirituality-and-sexuality-people-shouldnt-have-to-choose-the-australian-church-celebrating-queer-joy

Homophonic! 2023

27 & 28 January 2023, Carlton

New music by queer composers!

Homophonic! is bringing the disco ball to the concert hall! Celebrating Sapphic Symphonists, Homosexual Harmonies, and the long and proud tradition of queer music.

“Homophonic! is a magical experience which creates nothing less than musical utopia” – Stage Whispers

The Consort of Melbourne will feature the voices of Katherine Norman, Kristy Biber, Alex Ritter, Robin Parkin, Ben Owen and Steven Hodgson. Directed by Steven Hodgson & Miranda Hill.

2000 27 & 28 Jan 2023, & 1400* 28 January, La Mama Courthouse, Carlton

*1400 28 January is a 'Relaxed Performance'

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