Role

:

Ensemble

 

The Singers of St Laurence is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Sydney, Australia. The group was founded in 1995 by Richard Gill, a prominent Australian conductor and music educator, with the aim of providing a platform for young singers to develop their skills and perform choral music at the highest level. The group takes its name from St Laurence Church in Sydney's inner-west, where it was originally based. The church has a rich musical history, having been home to several notable choirs over the years, including the Sydney University Graduate Choir and the Choir of St James' Church. Under Gill's leadership, the Singers of St Laurence quickly established themselves as one of Australia's leading choral ensembles. Their repertoire spans a wide range of styles and periods, from medieval chant to contemporary works, and they have collaborated with some of the country's most respected composers and musicians. One of the group's early highlights was their performance of Bach's St John Passion in 1997, which was widely praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. This was followed by a series of acclaimed recordings, including a disc of music by the English composer Herbert Howells, which won the prestigious Limelight Award for Best Choral Recording in 2012. Over the years, the Singers of St Laurence have performed at many of Australia's leading music festivals and venues, including the Sydney Opera House, the Adelaide Festival, and the Melbourne Recital Centre. They have also toured internationally, with appearances in Europe, Asia, and North America. In addition to their concert work, the group is also committed to music education and outreach. They run a number of programs for young singers, including the St Laurence Scholars program, which provides intensive training and performance opportunities for talented high school students. Sadly, Richard Gill passed away in 2018, but the Singers of St Laurence continue to thrive under the leadership of their current director, Sam Allchurch. Allchurch, who is also the director of music at St James' Church, has brought a fresh energy and vision to the group, while maintaining their commitment to excellence and innovation. Recent highlights for the Singers of St Laurence include their performance of Handel's Messiah at the Sydney Opera House in 2019, which was hailed as a triumph of both musical and theatrical artistry. They have also continued to champion new music, with the premiere of a work by Australian composer Joseph Twist in 2020. Throughout their history, the Singers of St Laurence have received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. These include multiple Limelight Awards, the APRA/AMCOS Art Music Award for Excellence in Choral Music, and the Helpmann Award for Best Classical Music Performance. In conclusion, the Singers of St Laurence are a vital and dynamic force in the Australian classical music scene. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and education has made them a beloved and respected institution, and their performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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