Domingo’s 137th operatic role!

At the age of 70, Placido Domingo takes yet on another new role – Rigoletto! The Australian reports on this interview with the Times of London. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/at-70-placido-domingo-hits-the-low-notes/story-e6frg8n6-1226094840045

Taming the beast – taking control of music performance anxiety

Your heart pounds like a timpani, your pulse races faster than the ‘Minute Waltz’; your throat is drier than rosin, whilst the (Blue) Danube could gush from your sweaty palms any moment; you’re so shaky, the hours of vibrato practice were quite redundant. Yet you have to get control yourself and perform – whether it…

The sounds of sonic crystal

An innovative synthesis of technology and nature. Is this the way forward for new music? http://www.gramophone.co.uk/blog/the-gramophone-blog/listening-to-yourself-listening-through-the-organ-of-corti

a great violinist bows out

Gramophone magazine reports the death of Josef Suk ( 8.8.29 – 6.7.11), grandson of Josef Suk senior and   great-grandson of Antonin Dvorak. http://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/josef-suk-has-died

First Stones provide a foundation for emerging composers

Alison Morgan is a freelance soprano based in Sydney who along with mezzo-soprano Jenny Duck-Chong co-directs acclaimed ensemble Halcyon, Australia’s leading exponent of new chamber music for voice. ‘First Stones’ is Halcyon’s inaugural chamber song project for emerging composers.  This is her account of  the early stages of this project.  The First Stones 2011 Emerging Composers…

Australia’s first stradivarius

Assistant Leader of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Satu Vanska talks to The Australian about Australia’s first Stradivarius. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/playing-favourites/story-e6frg8n6-1226084742141

Gergiev breathes new life into tchaikovsky competition

The International Tchaikovsky competition held every four years in Moscow, is one of the most exacting and exalted music competitions. Inaugurated in 1958, past winners in its four categories of piano, violin, cello and voice have included Vladimir Ashkenazy and John Ogden( shared, 1962, piano), Gidon Kremer (1970, violin), Deborah Voigt (voice 1990). The XIVth International Tchaikovsky…

High Cs a breeze for this coloratura tenor!

Later this year a handful of young musicians from Sydney will leave for Europe to undertake post – graduate studies at various institutions. One of these is coloratura tenor Edmond Choo who is headed for London’s Royal College of Music. (See our post on his Farewell Concerts).  Building a career demands a careful juggling of opportunities,…