FEELING the cold? Penrith City Choir hopes their upcoming concert “Winter Solstice”, inspired by the chilliness of the season, will offer some uplifting melodies to sustain you through winter’s long nights. The choir, led by Musical Director Rowen Fox, who is well-known in Blue Mountains music circles, will perform at Melrose Hall, Emu Plains at 3pm Sunday 29 June in a program featuring the cantata ‘When Icicles Hang’ by contemporary English composer John Rutter.

Rutter, who turns 80 this year, founded the Cambridge Singers and has had a long and distinguished career as a well-loved choral composer. ‘When Icicles Hang’ was written in the early 1970’s in response to a commission from a friend for music which was “seasonal but not linked to Christmas”. The collection sets to music Elizabethan and other early texts by Shakespeare and Thomas Campion ranging from pictures of frost bound landscapes and cold wind, to the pleasures of “honey-love” and drinking ale indoors on cold winter nights. 

Rowen has selected other pieces in the program to complement Rutter’s cantata. Beautiful and uplifting pieces by Eric Whitacre, Bob Chilcott and Vivaldi alongside Gabriel Faure’s enchanting Pavane will create a warm ambience to the afternoon. 

The choir will be accompanied by Blue Mountains artists Jane Andino on keyboard and guest soloist, Sue Capper, on flute.

Tickets are available through Trybooking or at the door. Complimentary afternoon tea is included. 

PCC Presents Winter Soltice
Sunday 29 June 2025 3:00 PM 
Melrose Hall, Cnr. Park Street & Great Western Highway, Emu Plains.
www.trybooking.com/CYVAE