Based at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the QPAC Chamber Choir is a contemporary ensemble. Led by youthful Choral Director, Timothy Sherlock, they have a diverse repertoire of songs and sounds in their portfolio.
Studio 24 focused on the genre and sub genres of the disco movement. Sherlock took us on an informative and entertaining tour of six decades of disco tracks.
This reviewer was never a fan of the discotheque scene or its music. I preferred rhythmic rock, songs with meaningful lyrics, or the undying power of classical music. Real singers. Real musicians playing real instruments.
Synthetic sounds and high pitched squeals backed by a monotonic beat in a room filled with strobe lights and mirror balls was my idea of hell.
This performance however, has changed my perceptions of disco and choirs, probably forever.
As disco reigned supreme, I was an alternate rural dweller: healthy, earthy and bohemian. I dressed like a peasant, used pottery and followed folk bands. I thought disco music was a fad, a fleeting fashion accessory like flares. Forgettable.
I was wrong. I underestimated its pervasive staying power, its adaptability, its marketing value.
I thought it had stayed in the seventies. Again, I was wrong. This performance showed me that disco has endured for sixty years and in modern form, is still here. We’re growing old together.
Studio 24 provided an enjoyable and lively experience of disco for an audience comprised of all ages. It was novel. The choir, clad in sober black, looked classical as they stood stationary on the stage. But unlike any choir I’ve ever seen, this choir suddenly sprang to life.
Unexpectedly, they moved and grooved as they delivered perfected harmonies. Disco had never looked or sounded so good! Clearly this talented choir was committed to their vocal delivery and expressive moves. Credit to both their ‘Choralographer’, Anja Ali-Haapala and to the choir for the cool performance.
Huge congratulations to their Music Director and Choirmaster. Enthusiastic and highly skilled, Sherlock has expertly selected and arranged an ideal variety of disco songs. His choir, conducted by him, has delivered on the harmonies. I loved it and so did the audience members who were on their feet applauding.
If this wasn’t a one night only performance, I’d highly recommend audience attendance.
Studio ’24 – A Disco Choir Experience
Concert Hall – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performance: Tuesday 13 August 2024
Information: www.qpac.com.au
Image: QPAC presents Studio ’24 – A Disco Choir Experience – photo by Darren Thomas
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan