CHORALE
The Barwon Heads Chorale was the creation and vision of well-known local resident and music lover Jo Larson. She asked Natale Lewington to be the Chorale Director and Hazel Mitchell to be the Accompanist. With the retirement of Hazel at the end of 2015, choir member Sara Brownell took up the challenge of working as accompanist for the Chorale.
In 2021, Natale moved to the Mornington Peninsula, and with another year of not meeting during COVID, a new Musical Director Dr Terry Norman commenced in 2022. Terry has led the Chorale for 3 years now and encourages a wide range of music for Chorale members. He strongly believes that the Chorale has come a long way and is performing really well.
Jo Larson
Natale Lewington
Terry Norman
Chorale Director
Sara Brownell
Accompanist
The enjoyment of singing in harmony with others has demonstrated therapeutic effects, and additionally the social aspect of each week’s rehearsal sometimes leaves your sides aching from laughter! Much fun is had, along with learning terrific music.
The Chorale draws members from all over the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and the greater Geelong area, with some members travelling from Melbourne and Ballarat to attend rehearsals. There are no audition requirements, the only thing you need to bring along with you is your voice and a healthy sense of humour!
If you would like more information on the Barwon Heads Chorale, please click this link and to send us an email: FIND OUT MORE Otherwise, feel free to come to a rehearsal one Tuesday night if you fancy a sing and a laugh – everyone is welcome, the more the merrier!
Barwon Heads Corale sings at Sacred Heart College Geelong Chapel
On a cold wet Saturday afternoon, the sound of angelic voices echoed from the glorious space of the Sacred Heart College chapel in Newtown.
Organised by Viv Lewis – a Barwon Heads Chorale member and Vice President of the Geelong Branch Committee of the National Trust and Dr Terry Norman , Musical Director, of the Barwon Heads Chorale, the choir presented a concert “Sing Joyfully” in the Heritage-listed 1870s chapel surrounds.
In a treat for the eyes and ears, we saw the exquisite stained-glass windows and vaulted decor of Sacred Heart Chapel, not usually open to the public, where skilled traditional artisans have created the beauties of stained glass to adorn this fine chapel . Within the grounds of Sacred Heart College, the Chapel, adorned with frescos and decoration on a grand scale, is amongst the finest in Geelong.
Accompanied by pianist Sara Brownell, the Concert included sacred and secular music with familiar pieces such as Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, with a violin Obligato played by College student Lucia Stephens. Mozart’s Ave Verum, César Franck’s Panis Angelicus and Fauré’s stunningly beautiful Pie Jesu sung by soprano Meredith Norman.
An accomplished organist and harpsichordist Dr Terry Norman played “The Battle between David and Goliath”, one of the Biblical Sonatas by Johann Kuhnau on the small but beautiful chapel organ.
Heavenly Song in Heritage Scenery – what a treat!
