Chime Choir, Excelsis and Yarra Philharmonic to present Australian Première of Dan Forrest's Acclaimed work Creation

25 June 2025

​Excelsis, Chime Choir and the Yarra Philharmonic Orchestra present the Australian Première of Dan Forrest’s Creation, A grand choral-orchestral celebration featuring Soprano, Rachael Joyce and Baritone, Bailey Montgomerie.

Three of Victoria’s leading musical ensembles, Excelsis, Chime Choir, and the Yarra Philharmonic Orchestra are proud to present the Australian première of acclaimed American composer Dan Forrest’s Creation. This major choral- orchestral oratorio will be performed on Saturday 30 August, as the centrepiece of a concert at one of Melbourne’s renowned music venues, Robert Blackwood Hall. The concert is scheduled for 7:30 pm, and promises a sophisticated program of cinematic splendour.
The performance will be conducted by Jenny Mathers and Tom Buchanan OAM, and will feature the exceptional talents of Rachael Joyce (Soprano) and Bailey Montgomerie (Baritone) as soloists.

Inspired by the wonder and majesty of the natural world, Creation is a joyful musical journey that explores themes of beauty, awe, and the origin of life, delivered with  Dan Forrest’s signature blend of lush harmonies, sweeping melodies, and emotional depth.

Adding to this special occasion, the programme includes:

• Five short choral works showcasing a rich variety of musical styles and reflective moods.
• A stirring performance of Jean Sibelius’ iconic Finlandia, one of the most beloved orchestral works ever written.

“The première of Dan Forrest’s Creation is a landmark moment for Australian audiences, a thrilling opportunity for performers and music lovers alike. Forrest invites listeners to engage with contemporary choral music through this work of extraordinary power and beauty. We are so excited to share its powerful voice with Australian listeners, and hope it sparks reflection and connection long after the final note.’”
Chime Choir Artistic Director, Jenny Mathers

'Dan Forrest’s music has enjoyed great popularity within Australia and around the world, and the opportunity to bring this new contemporary choral and orchestral work to Australian audiences is a great privilege and joy. Forrest composed Creation to mark the 225th anniversary of Franz Joseph Haydn’s masterwork of the same name. It is our hope that, as with Haydn’s original work, Forrest’s composition will go on to enjoy 225 years of performance and enjoyment.’
Excelsis Musical Director, Tom Buchanan OAM

Presented by Excelsis, Chime Choir and the Yarra Philharmonic Orchestra, the Creation concert on 30 August 2025 represents a unique collaboration between community and professional musicians, uniting voices and instruments from across Melbourne in a shared celebration of artistic excellence. 

Chime Choir:
For more information about Chime Choir and their upcoming events, please visit www.chime.org.au or facebook.com/chimechoir 

Excelsis:
For more information about Excelsis, and their upcoming events, please visit www.excelsis.org.au 

Chime Choir is led by Artistic Director Jenny Mathers and accompanist Rosa Hwang.
enquiries: [email protected]