Features Overview
Genesis Rising
Genesis Rising is the youth ensemble of Vocal Manoeuvres Academy, bringing dynamic young voices together to explore repertoire from early chant and classical works to contemporary choral music. Under the direction of Alison Rogers, the ensemble focuses on musical excellence, stylistic versatility, and collaborative artistry. Recent projects include large-scale festival appearances, collaborations with VMA’s professional artists, and premières of new works by emerging Australian composers.
Exaudi Australis
Exaudi Australis is a professional chamber ensemble within Vocal Manoeuvres Academy, renowned for refined ensemble singing and stylistic versatility. The group explores repertoire spanning early music to contemporary works, presenting historically informed performances alongside vibrant new compositions.
Jeremy Stafford
Jeremy was awarded Bachelor of Music with Distinction from the Qld Conservatorium Griffith University, graduating with three consecutive awards for academic excellence and the coveted Guitar Prize for Best Performance. He has been a finalist in the Adelaide International Guitar Competition, and nominee for the 2023 Freedman Fellowship. Mentored by ARIA-winning guitarist Karin Schaupp he has participated in masterclasses with various internationally renowned guitarists. Jeremy has performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Opera Queensland and Queensland Camerata. and is a founding member of Brisbane Guitar Quartet, the Bronos Kentet.
Keren is currently Dean of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Sale, in the Diocese of Gippsland. Prior to ordination, Keren trained in composition with Anne Boyd at the University of Sydney. She has had a lifelong love of choral music, and of writing liturgical music for choirs. She describes her compositional approach as “a searching for the light.” Two of her works will be sung at Hildefest Evensong - the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis.
www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/artist/terpstra-keren
The Reverend Elizabeth Donald Mcconnell
Rev. Elizabeth has been the parish priest at Centenary Suburbs since November 2022. She is passionate about sharing the love of God in the world. For Liz, the best and most challenging way to do this is for each of us to be the face of Christ to whomever is in front of us; and to see the face of Christ in them.
Liz is a Veriditas-trained Labyrinth facilitator and finds joy in helping people discover the benefits of using a labyrinth to listen to the still small voice within us.