25 October, 2021
The Adelaide Chamber Singers today announced that its founding Artistic Director and conductor, Carl Crossin OAM, will be stepping back from his duties at the close of the 2021 season, with long-time associate conductor Christie Anderson, stepping into the role as Conductor/Artistic Director.
The history of the Adelaide Chamber Singers under Carl Crossin has been long and storied. Under Mr. Crossin’s direction the choir has embarked on eight international tours, won two “Choir of the World” awards (Kathaumixw 2006 in Canada and Llangollen 2013 in Wales) as well as the Vincitore del Gran Premio in Rome (2013) and six out of six Gold Awards (1st Places) in competitions in Rome and Austria (2013). In 2011 Mr. Crossin & Adelaide Chamber Singers were also awarded a Ruby Award by the South Australian Government and ARTS SA for ‘sustained contribution by an organisation’.
Carl Crossin formed the Adelaide Chamber Singers in 1985 and has since overseen the development of the choir, cementing their spot as one of Australia’s finest choral ensembles.
Crossin says that while there’s an element of sadness leaving an organisation that has been such an integral part of his life for so many years, he is extremely proud of what the Adelaide Chamber Singers have been able to achieve.
“When I formed Adelaide Chamber Singers in 1985, I was blissfully unaware of how vital – how all-consuming – this ensemble would become in my musical life. Quite simply, it has been an honor, a privilege and a pleasure to have made music with the hundreds of singers who have performed with the ensemble as either core or augmenting members over the past 36 years. “
“Through challenges and triumphs, my time with Adelaide Chamber Singers has been a fascinating and rewarding artistic journey and I feel great love and respect for my traveling companions. “
“From our first concert in Adelaide’s Edmund Wright House in 1985 to the cathedrals and concert halls of the world, we have created beautiful music together – with a shared passion and dedication”
“I think I’m something of a perfectionist, and my hope is that I leave the singers with a deep and enduring love of chamber choral singing, and a powerful need to always explore ‘the new’, ‘the different’ and ‘the better’”
Christie Anderson who is stepping into the role of Conductor and Artistic Director, is an acclaimed singer and conductor and has been the Associate Conductor of the Adelaide Chamber Singers since 2012. She has been the Artistic Director for youth choir Young Adelaide Voices since 2009. In addition to establishing YAV’s Composer in Residence Program, a male youth choir and the Watu Youth Choir Festival, Christie has directed YAV to gold medal wins in San Francisco (2012) and Bratislava (2016). It was in Bratislava that Christie was also awarded the Special Prize for Best Conductor of the Festival.
Anderson’s other artistic achievements include being a founding member of the award-winning EVE vocal trio and was tutor and conductor at Adelaide University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music for over ten years. She has also sung and conducted in many festivals in Australia and around the world, including the UK, France, Norway, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Italy, Canada, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan.
Anderson is excited for this new chapter of her career and acknowledges what large shoes she has to fill.
“Becoming Artistic Director of Adelaide Chamber Singers in 2022 is the realisation of a long-held dream and an incredible opportunity to further the work of this international award-winning vocal chamber ensemble. From a personal perspective, the musical values, integrity, and creative choices I make as a professional musician all began with meeting Carl Crossin and singing in Adelaide Chamber Singers. The opportunities for repertoire and nuance and style in performance are only rivalled by the opportunities for creative collaborations and musical initiatives.”
Crossin’s last concert as AD of ACS is Flight which will take place on November 20th and 21st with Anderson stepping into the role from the beginning of the 2022 season.
