future directions for symphonic music
The Managing Director of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Matthew VanBeslen, discusses new ways of sustaining “classical” music. (See post on “Where To Next For Symphonic Music?”) http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/orchestras-strike-chord-with-their-communities/story-e6frg8n6-1226071948052
Where to next for symphonic music?
Symphony orchestras the world over face an uncertain future. To what extent should they change in order that they survive? http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/symphonies-learn-the-score/story-e6frg6z6-1226068483453
Got a spare $200,000 for a Mahler original?
Mahler’s personal copy of his 3rdand longest symphony was recently discovered in a private collection. If that isn’t exciting enough, it is notated in the composer’s hand, and is to be auctioned this week. http://gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/the-score-of-the-third-symphony-by-mahler-to-be-auctioned
choir seeks conductor
The Jacobean Singers Inc is looking for a new music director to replace our existing director who is going to the US. We are looking for an experienced choral conductor /organist. The Choir has an extensive library and over the past fifteen years has built up a repertoire of sacred and secular music from Renaissance…
Catherine Carby on singing in Swedish
Catherine Carby, mezzo –soprano, soprano Leah Thomas and pianist Sharolyn Kimmorley perform a programme of Scandinavian art songs this weekend for Art Song NSW (see “On Wings of Art Song”). The vocal repertoire is replete with works in French, German and Italian. Even Russian and Czech are regularly heard in opera and art song. But…
Minimalism through the looking glass
The music of Philip Glass is in the spotlight with the ABC Classics release of “Mad Rush” an anthology of his piano music, performed by Sally Whitwell. To talk about minimalism requires perhaps that this page be left blank with just a few pivotal words placed strategically in repetitive patterns ….. Right now though, we use words…
Serious Songs – Glanert on his setting of Brahms
German composer Detlev Glanert (b 1960) re-orchestrated the Four Serioua Songs of Brahms and augmened them with preludes and a postlude. The work premiered at the BBC Prom in July 2006. Glanert gives his views on the 21st century re-interpretation of Brahms: http://www.boosey.com/cr/news/Detlev-Glanert-on-his-new-orchestration-of-songs-by-Brahms/11281&LangID=1
The Jane Austen Songbook
Musical talent was an asset central to the eligibility of Jane Austen’s heroines. Indeed, music was part of family entertainment and society life. Musicologist and soprano Professor Julianne Baird from Rutgers University is in Perth this week to discuss and perform from the Jane Austen Songbook. If you can’t hot foot it to Perth, check out this article…
Stephen Fry on classical music
“All music… is about the supreme expression of all mankind” Stephen Fry. Stephen Fry has been debating the relevance of classical music at the Cambridge University Union. In the 21st century, we have more access to more music, instantly. Are perople still listening to “classical” music? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13373628 Stephen Fry and DJ Kissy Sell Out exchange…