MUS in Macquarie Theatre May 2010
The Macquarie University Singers (MUS) was established by the late John Gordon in 1967 to encourage the formation of strong links between Macquarie University and the wider community through singing. Membership is open to students, staff and members of the community. The choir also performs at the Blackheath Choral Festival, various campus events such as Diversity Week and the Relay for Life, and sings Christmas carols at Macquarie Hospital and North Ryde RSL Club.
The most recent MUS concert was Haydn’s The Creation in May 2011. Anthony Pasquill was the guest conductor and it was a spirited rendition of this “big” choir piece, backed by a suitably splendid orchestra and solosists Erika Simons (Soprano), Marcus Bortolotti (Tenor) and Javier Vilarino (Bass).
Principal Conductor Tim Chung conducted two concerts in 2010 – Timeless Treasures in May and British! in October – and in 2011 is on a year’s leave. Tim will be back in 2012.
In 2009 MUS performed in two sell-out concerts at Macquarie Theatre. In May Beautiful Baroque, with guest conductor Elizabeth Scott, included Vivaldi Gloria , Bach Magnificat and Purcell Come Ye Sons Of Art plus Vivaldi’s L’Estro Armonico .
The October 2009 concert was Power to the People conducted by Sarah Penicka-Smith. The first half of the concert was songs of protest from many countries and ages up to the present. The highlight was Karl Jenkins’ Mass : The Armed Man , a very dramatic and moving performance.
May 2008 saw Margot McLaughlin’s final performance as musical director in Macquarie Theatre after twenty years in that role, with Haydn Paukenmesse and Fauré Requiem.
Since 2000, MUS (along with the Willoughby Symphony Choir) has been “the choir” at Australian Philharmonic Orchestra (Auspops) concerts at Sydney Opera House, notably in the ‘Not New Years Eve’ concerts regularly performed after Christmas each year.
Members of the University are encouraged to join MUS. Tenors and basses from all backgrounds are especially needed. At present membership numbers are close to full and inquiry to the Membership Secretary should be made by intending members. Rehearsal dates for upcoming concerts appear on the Rehearsal Calendar. Performance in any concert requires attendance at a minimum number of rehearsals and approval of the Principal Conductor and President.
Rules of MUS are incorporated in the MUS Constitution – view as a pdf document.