Audiences rely on them; performers love them or loathe them. Much has been discussed and written about the role of the critic. In an ideal world, the critic would perform one key function: to express a knowledgeable and balanced opinion about as many possible aspects of a performance which they have attended. They inform their readers about…
Dame Nelli Melba was born on May 19th 1861. Today marks the sesquicentenaryof her birth in Melbourne. Australia Post has released a stamp to commemorate the occasion. Good enough reason to actuall post a letter, rather than send an email! On the stamp is fellow Victorian Rupert Bunny’s salon portrait of the great soprano. Did…
In a project reminiscent of Daniel Barenboim’s efforths at political and social reconciliation through music, composer Paul Stanhope has created “Exile Lamentations” , a work for chamber choir, soloists and oud, which was performed in Sydney by the Sydney Chamber Choir recently. This week Stanhope was awarded two APRA awards for composing both this (“Deserts of…