Welcome back The Balmain Sinfonia!
The Balmain Sinfonia makes a long-awaited return in June with its second 2013 concert in its newly refurbished home, the Macquarie Theatre at Macquarie University, North Ryde.
The centrepiece of the concert is that rarest of beasts, a piece featuring a bass trombone solo – the Rhapsody by American composer Eric Ewazen. The rest of the program includes the popular Waltz from Gounod’s Faust, Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No.1 and the Symphony No.1 in D minor, opus 13 by Rachmaninov.
The Macquarie Theatre recently underwent a comprehensive upgrade and retains its impressive acoustic and comfortable seating.
Eric Ewazen’s Rhapsody for Bass Trombone is a haunting, mysterious, dramatic and ultimately uplifting pastorale in three movements featuring as soloist Perth-born, Sydney-based Brett Page. The peripatetic brass virtuoso studied at the University of WA and the Victorian College of the Arts before completing his studies at ANU (Canberra). Since making Sydney his home in 2001, his engagements have included performances with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, WA Symphony, Tasmanian Symphony and – across the Tasman – the Auckland Philharmonia. Brett is now resident Principal Bass Trombone with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra. His interest in early music has also seen him play sackbut with the Australian Baroque Brass and Brandenburg Orchestras.
Celebrating its 21st year, the Balmain Sinfonia with Conductor and founding Director of the orchestra, Gary Stavrou are thrilled to perform this program this year which was originally programmed for December 2012 and postponed when Gary had to undergo emergency open heart surgery! Now back in good health, Gary and the 50-strong orchestra are raring to go…
“It’s good to be back to the podium and to good health after last year’s scare,” says Gary. “And just as well because this is a very demanding program: the Rachmaninov builds up quite a sweat in all the players, including the conductor!”
Programme:
Ewazen: Rhapsody for Bass Trombone
Gounod: Faust Waltz
Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite No.1
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 1
Tickets $25 / $20 concession at the door
Bookings and more information www.balmainsinfonia.com or 9810 5080
Free parking in car parks W4 and X3.
