Introducing Anna Leese, soloist 'Anna Leese, Gloria and Organ Symphony'

What do you enjoy most about singing Poulenc’s ‘Gloria’, and what makes it unique for a soprano?
There are several really interesting aspects of Poulenc’s Gloria which strike me as making it both very dramatic/operatic and very singable.

Firstly, Poulenc served in the French Military for a period of three years shortly after World War One ended.That sombre experience must surely have been very character-forming and perhaps helped form his religious convictions.The work contains immense dramatic tension and weight, moving suddenly between ecstatic religious pleading or wonder, into full horror movie soundtrack.

Secondly, Poulenc had a close collaborative friendship with baritone Pierre Bernac - and he wrote many works for the great singer. My own doctoral research, which was completed early this year, led me to conclude that close working relationships between a composer and a singer leads almost inevitably to a great depth of knowledge of vocal technique from the composer, which in turn leads to great vocal writing. That knowledge of vocal technique is clearly evident in Poulenc’s ‘Gloria’.

I honestly did not realise it’s been 4 years since singing with the DSO! I mostly look forward to seeing friendly faces, and singing in the glorious Town Hall which is my favourite NZ acoustic.