SCUNA history » IVs and Minifests hosted by SCUNA to 1988 » 1977 IV » Programme 1 of 5
August 20 to September 3 1977
[Description of graphic: reproduction of part of an early score of the Vespers, with neum-like notes. This was part of the pattern used on the posters and record cover.]
Sponsored by
THE PETER STUYVESANT TRUST
The Canberra Times
Dr. H.C. Coombs
Sir John Crawford
Convenor: Rik Allen
Secretary: Janet Spry
Treasurer: Alison Whish
Production: Richard Dixon, Ann Hoban
Musical Director: Brian Hingerty
Publicity: Christine Kallir
Fundraiser: Colin Loughhead
Librarian: Laurel Burns
Participants' Secretary: Robin Bennett
General: Alison Currie, Rosemary Mattingley, Phillip Linford
Intervarsity Choral Festivals are held each year in a different capital city, hosted and organised by the student choristers resident there, and serve as an annual focus for the Australian university choral movement. The major aims of Intervarsity Choral Festivals are: the performance of choral music at high standard; the exposure of the public to a wide variety of choral music; the development of singing skills among participants; and above all, the enjoyment of the above activities and associated social events.
IVCFs play a special role in developing musical and social networks around Australia. Those of us who have been attending IVCFs for some years have fond memories of theatre interiors, rehearsal venues, traditional events and revelries. Musical happenings such as IVCFs have a powerful nostalgia component, which contributes to the enthusiasm of the singing. With the demise of church and school choirs, the universities are becoming a major foundation of our choral music heritage. IVCF performance standards have risen, as have the entrepreneurial ambitions of each festival's planners. This year is the first since 1974 where the festival committee has not commissioned an original local composition; a decision made partly because of the predictable cut in government support. This year's festival has received no government assistance, and has only been possible through the support of those acknowledged, in particular the Peter Stuyvesant Trust, and the efforts of ANU Choral Society rank and file fundraisers.
The two major presentations of 28th IVCF are to be on Sunday 28th August and Saturday 3rd September.
The first is a programme of shorter works, sung by smaller groups under conductors from Canberra and elsewhere. The essence of this programme is variety, with conductors chosing their own music. Each group is comprised of singers from all states, so that one effect of this programme will be the pollenation of experience and repertoire back to the participants' home choir. The other effect will be the exposure of audiences to a wide range of styles and musical traditions.
The final recital of the festival is of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610. For the performance of this magnificent work, some of the soloists and orchestra have been brought to Canberra from interstate, but the majority are established local artists. We believe that this recital in particular will demonstrate that while IVCFs are non-professional, they are far from un-professional.
The important events of the festival begin with arrivals and welcomings in Bundanoon, NSW, on Saturday afternoon August 20.
A five day Rehearsal Camp is held in Bundernoon from August 20 to 25. The traditional camp activities include a Revue, 'Boat Races', and concerts of small group items which will be held in Bundanoon and Mittagong.
After the camp, activities are resumed in Canberra commencing with the IVCF Dinner on Thursday 25 August.
Finally, the most important events:
Concert 1, University House, Canberra, Sunday 28th August, 3 pm.
More rehearsals and publicity appearances in Canberra occur from August 29 to September 2.
Concert II, School of Music, Saturday 3 September, 8 pm.
Rik Allen,
Convenor