ESKimos feature in the breaking of the "Gothic Curse"

 "The Curse of the Gothic Symphony" is a feature-length documentary that lifts the veil on the epic journey taken by a band of Brisbanites to perform the biggest symphony ever composed and has finally made its way  to Brisbane's Event Cinema for all to see.  Three members of our own Esk Community Choir, Tom Byrne, Kathleen Watts and Sue Walker, were a part of the Chorus of this historical event and that these three shining stars in this mighty musical heaven were able to place the name of the ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR alongside the names of some of the greatest Choirs in Queensland is truly praise worthy.

Kathleen Watts, Tom Byrne & Susan Walker

The Gothic Symphony in D minor is described as the musical equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest and credited by the Guinness Book of World Records as being the largest Symphony ever written.  Until December 2010, it had not been performed in 30 years, only three times since its completion in 1927, never outside Britain and never, until this time, in its entirety, all these bearing testimony to its extreme difficulty.  Involving a 160 piece orchestra, 2 brass bands, 300 choristers, a 50 voice children's choir, 4 soloists... almost 600 people on stage, the "Symphony No. 1 in D Minor, The Gothic", had gone unperformed due to its enormous logistical requirements. Composed by the Englishman, Havergal Brian in 1919, the work was for this and many reasons also believed to be cursed.

Under the auspices of 4MBS Classic FM's Gary Thorpe and his 30 years of harbouring a "Gothic obsession", a team of willing and enthusiastic producers, musical and creative directors a   choral conductor willing to come on board, musicians and choristers from Brisbane and around the world, the curse has now been broken.   Kathleen, Tom and Sue from the ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR were privileged to be a part of the Symphony's Chorus, billed as a "spectacle of musical gigantism and sensory beauty".  And it truly was and is beautiful, as well as powerful and at times quite complex, with anguished outbursts alongside serene beauty and it deserved to be heard.  Under the Choral direction of the enormously talented Alison Rogers and under the baton of Maestro John Curro, it was heard at QPAC on 22nd December 2010 by an enthusiastic, completely sold-out house who watched this "colossus rise from its long slumber".

The story of the Gothic Symphony and its previous failed attempts to stage it has inspired the making of this documentary film, “The Curse of the Gothic Symphony". Commissioned by the ABC seven years ago, it was a strong impetus for Gary Thorpe and his team to complete the task.  It is a gripping, often humorous and inspiring feature-length film that parallels the life of the composer, Havergal Brian, with the epic journey of the team trying to stage its performance against all odds.  This amazing film made its Australian premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2011 receiving standout high praise and accolades from the public and critics alike.  It was again screened at the Brisbane International Film Festival last year to packed audiences many of whom, by no coincidence, were part of the cast.  The homegrown connection aside, this is a major musical Symphony of historical significance, attempted by many but achieved by Brisbane's own, staged in Brisbane, the journey now for all to see produced on film and starring a chorus of highly credentialed unique human beings who accepted this huge challenge.

By Susan Walker
www.eskchoir.webs.com

Choralation

Despite the loss of our hall, the Somerset Youth Choir's first concert has gone over without a hitch. Performed at the Anglican Church Hall in the main street of Esk, the Sunday afternoon concert was performed to proud parents and a supportive community with standing room only with 10mins until the start!

Guest choirs at this performance included:
Esk Community Choir
Esk Primary Choir
Toogoolawah Primary
Toogoolawah High School

For soloists and duets we had:
Patrina Mcleod
Jessica Pitman
Carmel & Graham Lynch

A definite highlight of the day was the big finale - when all the choirs came together to give a demonstration of the versatility of Rounds. Thunderous applause signaled the end of a fantastic performance. Well done Somerset Youth Choir!

Lyceum Hall - GONE.

The Lyceum burnt down in 20 minutes on the night of 07/05/10.

Originally constructed in 1909, The Lyceum has been central to the Esk Community. It has been home to the not only our own Esk Community Choir and the new Somerset Youth Choir but the meeting place of our community for over 100 years. The once beautiful historic hall has functioned as an event location, a library, wedding reception venue, graduation hall, the local School of Arts, dance hall and movie theatre and has witnessed countless performances and workshops from people from all over the state.

30 years of choir history burnt down that night. All our music, instruments, props, costumes, backdrops and memories. Our home is gone.






Now rehearsing at the Anglican Church hall and the Esk Primary school respectively, both the Esk and Somerset Choirs continue their strive to enjoy and share their music with the community. The Somerset Choir had their planned performance in the Church hall instead, while the Esk Community Choir will having their's in the Alexandra Hall in Toogoolawah, 15mins down the road.

We've had a lot of support from the community, and in time we will build up our stores and have a new home. But for now we continue our service in song while mourning our beautiful home.
By Jessica Pittman