St Michael’s is a unique church in the heart of the city. Unique for its relevant, contemporary preaching that embraces and inner wellbeing as its core message.
Sunday services include a mix of traditional and modern presentations interspersed with inspirational music performed by world-class musicians.
St Michael’s affirms and encourages the best expression of humanity, not only through the Sunday service but though our wellbeing programs and our commitment to counselling and psychotherapy. We believe faith, spirituality and a meaning to life are vital ingredients for our health and wellbeing and that there is a need to get hold of a more authentic religious understanding.
Sunday services commence at 10am.
Free Entry
Guest Artist: Greta Bradman (Soprano)
Music between the readings: My Hero from The Chocolate Soldier – Oscar Straus (1870-1954)
Oscar Straus’ operetta The Chocolate Solidier dates from 1908 and is based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1894 play Arms and the man. The work had great success in the first half of the 20th century, and this song, My Hero, has become famous in its own right and has been recorded by many fine sopranos, including recently by today’s guest artist on the Decca label with Sir Richard Bonynge conducting the English Chamber Orchestra.
Music during the offering: I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls from The Bohemian Girl – Michael Balfe (1808-1870)
This aria from the now largely neglected operetta The Bohemian Girl was a favourite of the late Dame Joan Sutherland and is perhaps now the only performed part of the operetta. The heroine of the drama sings this aria in which she reflects on vague memories from her childhood.
The Postlude: Carillon de Westminster – Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
This well known organ work is based on the theme of the chimes of ‘Big Ben’, (the nickname given to the world’s largest four faced chiming clock in London’s Houses of Parliament). This work is from a larger collection of similar programmatic pieces by French composer and organist, Louis Vierne known as the 24 pieces de fantasie. This piece is dedicated to the great English organ builder, Henry Willis.
Artist Bio: Australian soprano Greta Bradman is recitalist, concert and stage performer. Greta has been awarded critics choice awards including an APRA/AMCOS “Performance of the Year” award (2013) and numerous OzCart awards. She has been nominated for Helpmann, MusicOz and ARIA awards and was Limelight Magazine’s vocalist shortlisted as “best newcomer” in 2010. Greta was the 2013-14 recipient of the Australian International Opera Award. Greta has previously recorded for Sony Music, ABC Classics and independently, including two solo albums that topped the Australian classical charts for some weeks. In 2015 Greta recorded her debut operatic recording with Richard Bonynge conducting the English Chamber Orchestra, “My Hero” for international release on Decca. Later this year she will present the role of Eurydice in Haydn’s opera L’anima del filosofo under the baton of Richard Bonynge, will tour internationally with Zubin Mehta and the Australian World Orchestra, will tour internationally with Teddy Tahu Rhodes, David Hobson and Lisa McCune, and will present concerts around the Asia pacific, UK and Europe.
“Exquisite soprano Greta Bradman made the strongest possible impression, winning a legion of admirers in her role debut as Rodelinda. Throughout the night, Bradman exhibited extraordinary control of her voice. Her skill for beginning phrases with rock-solid pitching of high notes was heard in act two’s “Spietati, io vi giurai”, while her incredible sustained pianissmo was heard in “Ritorna, o caro e dolce mio tesoro”, in which her voice seemed to float upwards on scarcely a whisper of breath. A magnetic stage presence and a great beauty, Bradman’s further appearance in fully staged works is highly anticipated.”
– (SimonParrisManInChair, 2014)
“Soprano Greta Bradman, winner of the 2013 Australian International Opera Award and in the title role of Rodelinda, demonstrated regal splendor and human heart. In Rodelinda’s opening two arias of Act 1, “Ho perduto il caro sposo” and “L’empio rigor del fatto”, Bradman impressed with dramatic expressive shift from loss to determination; the heart and the queen on full display.
“Elegantly poised and in effortless form, Bradman mesmerized with expansive vocal range, piercing strength and accelerative agility from brave, grounded low notes to glistening highs. Later, as Rodelinda realises her husband is still alive, her Act 2 aria “Ritorna, o caro edolce mio tesoro”, exhibited stunning textural layering, a glassy fragility and striking gossamer-like pianissimo. The role is demanding and Bradman was clearly savouring the part all along.”
-(Aussie Theatre, Oct 2014)
