Seasons of Light

Saturday 2^nd May 2026

St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Woy Woy

The Central Coast Philharmonia Choir opened its 2026 season with Seasons of Light – the music of Gjeilo – a concert inspired by the breathtaking music of contemporary composer Ola Gjeilo.

Drawing on themes of time, light, earth and eternity, the programme journeyed through the four seasons; Autumn, Winter, Summer and Spring – weaving together Gjeilo's atmospheric works with a curated selection of complementary composers. Known for its sense of space, warmth, and cinematic beauty, Gjeilo's music invited the audience to experience a feeling of vastness and serenity. Selected pieces featured solo instrumentalists, offering moments of intimate stillness alongside powerful choral resonance.

It was an uplifting celebration of nature, renewal and the changing of the seasons – a fitting and memorable start to the year.

Reviews

"I have never been to anything like this and absolutely loved it. It was soul-soothing! The whole evening sounded like ‘angels singing.’ It far exceeded my expectations. The people sitting in front of me said ‘we didn’t know it would be this good!’"

"11 out of 10! Congratulations for pulling the whole show together Anne. A huge effort. You should be very proud."

"I had a wonderful time and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I am more often listening to instruments so it was lovely to hear the beautiful voices. The choir sounded amazing. Congratulations."

"We really enjoyed the concert. The variety in the program was really enjoyable with the shorter and varied pieces (even though we do love the full pieces – Mozart and Vivaldi etc). We also loved the addition of the flute. Ebb & Flow's ‘Northern Lights’ was a highlight. The choir sounded really good and Ebb is sounding better and better."

"Congratulations on another wonderful concert. Well done everyone including all those behind the scenes, it was a great success."

"We were very impressed by the young conductor in Ebb (Oliver Lee) – so talented – he obviously loves and feels the music in his soul, such a joy to watch. Loved the sound of the choir and Ebb & Flow. Beautiful music and singing."

"Congratulations to Anne for choosing such brilliant music and creating such a wonderful blend of harmonies. Outstanding. Loved the last Ebb & Flow song with the lights."

"Venue is excellent. Great seats. Pianist was brilliant, flautist was terrific and the keyboard player was excellent. A thoroughly enjoyable evening to lift the soul."

"Well done, choir members! The concert was an outstanding success. Much thanks goes to Anne for her selection of excellent music and to Patrick for his direction through all the pieces – some of which were considered difficult."

"What a wonderful concert! Anne's solo was beautiful and Ebb & Flow was amazing! Loved the one with the stars and the conducted piece especially! Congratulations!"

"Wow! What a concert indeed! Congratulations to you all. I was only recently introduced to the music of Gjeilo, but it's beautiful, and so competently delivered by the Central Coast Philharmonia under Patrick's care. Anne Haslam, you've again put together a wonderful program, taking advantage of the talented people in the group. Lovely to see Elana Sydenham sharing her talents as flautist, as well as Gerard on piano and Kimberly on keys. Loved the Ebb & Flow pieces – they enhanced the concert. An amazing ensemble. Bravo!"

Programme

Gallery

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Photography by Kate Bravo