Macbeth and lakme – shining productions from Opera Australia
Peter McCallum reviews Opera Australia’s production of Verdi’s Macbeth which opened in Sydney last Saturday. (NB the singers are not correctly identified in the image). http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/theatre/something-wicked-this-way-comes-and-it-is-sure-to-thrill-audiences-20110911-1k407.html Murray Black’s thoughts on Opera Australia’s Lakme for The Australian http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/matthews-shines-as-lakme/story-fn9d31nx-1226134510311
the cor anglais – the horn that’s not
In her September series of ‘ Bach in the Dark’ concerts, cellist Rachel Scott has teamed up with Rachel Tolmie playing the cor anglais. (See our post on ‘Bach in the Dark’ for concert dates and venues). Admittedly there isn’t much in the repertoire for this unusual pairing of string and wind so the musicians have…
Sydney’s newest arts complex
The new performing arts precinct in Chatswood is preparing to ‘go live’: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/stage-set-for-venues-first-act/story-e6frg8n6-1226132501885
New strings take their bows
The Australian String Quartet has two new players. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/dream-chamber-music-role-keeps-young-violin-star-here/story-fn9d2mxu-1226131720638
Brandenburg, Boheme and a benefit
Last weekend musicians in Sydney put on a display of talent and camaraderie that delighted patrons. On Friday evening, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra opened its Celestial Vivaldi series with works by Rebel, Corrette, Dell’abaca and Vivaldi. One of the most notable aspects of this evening was the alto section that was made up entirely of counter-tenors!…
Winning young performer
Saxophonist Nicholas Russoniello wins the 2011 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year Award. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/classical-award-recognises-plenty-of-sax-appeal-no-strings-attached/story-e6frg8n6-1226129309211
Stephen Fry’s ‘Wagner and Me’
Wavelength Films in association with the BBC made this fascinating feature with Stephen Fry exploring the music of Wagner. http://www.smh.com.au/tv/show/wagner–me/wagner–me-20110902-1jp2g.html
After the AWO…
Matthew Westwood of The Australian evalutes the “performance” of the AWO: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/an-orchestra-without-the-cultural-cringe/story-e6frg8n6-1226124757479
Danielle de Niese to perform in Sydney
Melbourne born soprano Danielle de Niese is to perform in Sydney next year with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. De Niese is one of the few child “stars”who has been able to make the transition to respected adult performer with apparent ease.. She made her Glyndebourne bebut in 2005 as Cleopatra in Handel’s Giulio Cesare. More at: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/shes-got-the-looks-voice-and-a-homecoming-tour-20110828-1jg9x.html http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/opera/sopranos-hometown-debut-20110828-1jgha.html