The Song Company sings Hildegard

A breath taking program of chants, hymns and antiphones by the greatest female composer of all times, including extracts from the morality play Ordo Virtutum.

Hildegard, Abbess of Rupertsberg (1098 – 1179) was one of the most extraordinary and multi-talented women of all time, escaping canonisation until the year 2012 – no small miracle. Of all the activities this woman, now saint, engaged in, be it a politics, natural science, theology or counselling, it is her music that most reveals an infinitely rich and creative inner life. Her chants, freely composed and devoid of any hint of formula, were described by herself as “a feather on the breath of God”.

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The Song Company

The Song Company is Australia’s leading vocal ensemble. Since its formation in 1984 it has developed as one of the most vibrant and extraordinary vocal ensembles in the world. The group’s repertoire covers vocal music from the 10th century to the present day and is unique in its stylistic diversity.

Under the leadership of Roland Peelman, Artistic Director since 1990, the six-voice ensemble has developed its style by successfully integrating serious scholarship, tonal clarity, vocal daring and unbridled performance dynamics.

The Song Company remains at the forefront of contemporary vocal music through an extensive commissioning program and new collaborations. Through a longstanding commitment to education, an annual concert series, as well as many recordings and broadcasts, the Song Company has built up an impressive following around Australia and around the world.

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List of Artists

Anna Fraser, Susannah Lawergren, Sonya Holowell, Susannah Bishop, soprano
Hannah Fraser, Melissa Gregory, mezzo
Richard Black, Owen Elsley, Koen Van Stade, tenor and director
Mark Donnelly, baritone