WHETHER it be hosting talent from places far and wide or exhibiting the splendour of Hamilton’s local performers and artists, the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) is regarded as a hub for the local community and surrounding areas to access and indulge in rich cultural experiences.

While the global pandemic may have temporarily forsaken the normally frequented facilities of the HPAC to gather some metaphorical dust, after two years the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is back.

Fortunately for the local community, they are just in time for an allegorical spring clean and are ready to kickstart the performing arts’ post-Covid renaissance.

“We’re thrilled to be back,” HSO conductor, Angus Christie said.

“You can just feel how excited the musicians are to be playing again after so long,”

The orchestra will be performing at 2pm on September 11 at the HPAC, with some debut performances from soloists local to the area.

Leah Oswin and Craig Everingham are amongst those debuting with HSO at the upcoming performance.

“[Leah] is an operatic soprano based in Port Fairy and she certainly knows how to wow an audience,” Mr Christie said.

Mr Everingham, a local lyric baritone, has similarly earned Mr Christie’s bravo for his magnificent voice which will be showcased during the succession of the afternoon’s performances.

The program does not stop there, however, as the event will include local mastery beyond the much-anticipated live performances.

Amongst the HSO’s concert of music composed by orchestral legends such as Mozart, Wagner, Tchaikovsky, and Strauss, three musical pieces by Glenthompson-raised composer, Mr David Cundy, will feature.

“I’ve known David since I was a teenager,” Mr Christie said.

“I am looking forward to giving the first performance of his thrilling short work Impennata at the concert, as well as two of his other shorter works.”

With such a rich and invigorating concert impending, it is no surprise that the grand finale of the afternoon is intended to be anything less than exceptional.

The conclusion of the afternoon’s performances will see The Chamber Singers from The Hamilton and Alexandra College Junior School joining the HSO for a pertinent finish.

As a group of young enthusiastic choristers that are by no means strangers to the stage of the HPAC auditorium, the collaboration between the Chamber Singers and HSO of I am the Earth by Glyn Lehmann, will be the perfect denouement to wrap up an afternoon of mastery.

I am the Earth can only be described as having a goosebump-inducing ethereal feel, a bewitching paradox considering the title and allegorical lyrics.

Nevertheless, the stirring chorus of the song when performed by the compelling cohort of young chorists will be sure to bring the gala’s audience back down to earth for what is destined to be an unmissable experience.

Tickets for the gala concert at the HPAC are available at the HPAC box office or online at hamiltonpac.com.au