For one night only, the Choir of Trinity College Melbourne and the Toshi Clinch Big Band will join forces to present an evening dedicated to one of America’s greatest composers, Duke Ellington.

Although Ellington is often known for his earlier compositions such as Sophisticated Lady, Cottontail, and Mood Indigo, he also wrote many larger form pieces, including three Sacred Concerts composed later in his life between 1965 to 1973.

Each of these works combined elements of many styles with a strong emphasis on the blues and African American choral traditions, resulting in what Ellington deemed ‘the most important thing I have ever done.‘ To honour the substantial nature of the Sacred Concerts, excerpts from all three will be performed in the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral by a 40+ piece ensemble, culminating in a one-of-a-kind concert which may be the first time these pieces have been performed in Australia.

The Toshi Clinch Big Band

Saxophones: Drew Zaremba (USA), John Bennett, Aaron Hedenstrom (USA), Carl Mackey & Paul Williamson
Trumpets: Daniel Beasy, Gordan Lambie, Felix Watson & Gianni Marinucci
Trombones: Lachlan Smith, Nick Mulder & Dave Palmer
Rhythm: Brett Williams (USA), Anton Schulz & John Sturino (USA)

The Choir of Trinity College Melbourne

Choristers: Ellie Ashwell, Amelia Baulch, Joe Clark, Matthew Cook, Ethan Flemming, Rory Giezekamp, Charles Hannah, Thomas Heywood, Olivia Johnson, Leyland Jones, Thomas Law, Charlie Lines-Perrier, Edward Lovell, Anna Marsh, Gabby McDonald, Phillipa McQuinn, Geethan Pfeifer, Mia Robinson, Jael Sitte, Ben Slavec, Caroline Smith, Benjamin Tao, Laura Tatti & Michael von Guttner Sporzynski.

Director: Christopher Watson
Featured Female Soloist: Michelle Nicolle
Featured Male Soloist: Eddie Muliaumaseali’i
Featured Tap Dancer: Thomas Wadelton
Conductor: Toshi Clinch

Concert Details

Date: Friday 21 October 2022
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tickets: On sale here. $50 for front seats | $35 for rear seats | Discounts available for choir supporters, pensioners and students.
Enquiries: Briony O’Halloran | events@trinity.unimelb.edu.au | 03 9348 7536

Tickets will be avaliable on the door, but are encouraged to be pre-purchased.