Voices of Notre-Dame: Music Through the Ages
Presented by the Alchemy Consort and supported by Rotary Melbourne
- What
- SHOW
- When
- General information
- Performances are 30 minutes long
- Tickets
Ever wondered what the gargoyles of Notre-Dame have seen and heard over the centuries? Experience the sounds, sights and melodies of this iconic cathedral, brought to life in an immersive musical performance by the Alchemy Consort chamber ensemble.
Harnessing the unique acoustics of the Immigration Museum’s Long Room, the Alchemy Consort performance presents new perspectives on French history and culture and the Notre Dame de Paris exhibition.
This immersive reenactment features Gregorian chanting and medieval compositions, capturing the market cries of crowds outside the cathedral, her beautiful bells and lights, and key moments in French history.
Through a mix of evocative and imperial music, witness the stories of the Virgin Mary, St. Louis’ procession to deliver the Crown of Thorns, and the crowning of Napoleon and Josephine, come to life.
Alchemy Consort
Chamber Ensemble
Alchemy is a Naarm/Melbourne-based chamber ensemble of vocalists who explore dynamic programming of old and new music. Led by director Dr. Gary Ekkel, Alchemy undertakes interdisciplinary collaborations, experiments with space and movement, and creates experiences to captivate and inspire. Since commencing in 2021, they have curated many projects including ‘It Lights The Whole Sky’, a multidisciplinary performance as part of the NGV Triennial Extra 2024 and ‘The Gunpowder Plot’, an immersive exploration of spaces within a disused gunpowder storage facility. Alchemy aims to connect with both urban and regional communities and share the joys of choral music, engaging with young and old audiences alike.
Gary Ekkel
FOUNDING DIRECTOR
Gary Ekkel is one of Australia’s leading interpreters of Choral Music and Early Music. He is the founding director of Alchemy and has been the Director of the Choir of Newman College since its inception in 2002. Gary studied Gregorian chant, sacred music and Baroque flute at the Royal Conservatorium in The Hague, Netherlands and also holds a master’s in performance and a doctorate in analysis of Renaissance Music (University of Melbourne). He is a keen aficionado of Baroque music conducting major works such as Bach’s St Matthew Passion (2015) and Handel’s Alexander’s Feast (2024) with period-instrument orchestras. Gary also has a passion for education, serving since 1996 in the role of Director of Choral Music at St Michael’s Grammar School.
Presented by the Alchemy Consort and supported by Rotary Melbourne
Accessibility
Please view our accessibility page for helpful information. For access requirements please contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at mvbookings@museum.vic.gov.au to discuss how we can support your visit.
