At Sydney University Graduate Choir we are opening our 2026 concert season with our traditional and excitingly diverse MATINÉE concert curated to open New Horizons. This year we celebrate the female genius, featuring rarely performed exquisite works by female composers, from Lili BOULANGER’s radiant Hymne au Soleil to works by Amy BEACH, Clara SCHUMANN and Fanny HENSEL (née Mendelssohn), as well as a beautiful work by Christopher BOWEN inspired by Greek poet Sappho. The verses of a second poet, Rainer Maria Rilke (who died 100 years ago this year) form the basis for two other works in the program, one by American Morten LAURIDSEN and a premier by young German composer Christoph KAUFMANN.

This theme is complemented by a second that we know to be much enjoyed by our Matinee audience – excerpts from musicals. This year we feature highlights from the musical Casablanca with music by Christopher Bowen and lyrics by Pamela Traynor, followed by a medley from Les Misérables. Join us for this relaxed concert that has become a favourite of choir and audience alike.