Latest news
James Rhodes: On being a concert pianist
“My life involves endless hours of repetitive and frustrating practising, lonely hotel rooms, dodgy pianos, aggressively bitchy reviews, isolation, confusing airline reward programmes, physiotherapy, stretches of nervous boredom (counting ceiling tiles backstage as the house slowly fills up) punctuated by short moments of extreme pressure” says pianist James Rhodes. He still believes “without a shadow of…
The passion in wagner
Wagner-mania continues this month with this feature from Paul Mason in The Guardian.
ARTSONG NSW Auditions for singers and pianists
ARTSONG NSW is auditioning experienced young singers and accompanists looking for performance opportunities, to perform in their recitals. Singers should be prepared to present 3 contrasting art songs (not operatic arias). Pianists without singing partners may be asked to accompany selected auditionees. All applicants should send an up to date CV with phone and email details,…
Jessica Pratt wins major Italian award
Congratulations to British-Australian soprano Jessica Pratt, who has been awarded Italy’s most important award for coloratura sopranos La Siola d’Oro. Previous winners of the prize include Joan Sutherland, Sumi Jo, Pretty Yende, Annik Massis and Luciana Serra. The award ceremony will take place on the 8th of May, 2013, at the Teatro A. Bonci in Cesena, Italy, when Ms….
Wagner bicentenary
The date of Wagner’s birth bicentenary is not far away – May 22nd 2013. Click here to read Matthew Westwood’s feature in The Australian.
Leichhardt Espresso Chorus launches Kids Choir
Starting this week,Leichhardt Espresso Chorus is launching a regular kids choir under the artistic direction of music educator Michelle Leonard. Several choirs for various age groups (from Kindy to Yr 7) will rehearse weekly on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon at the Italian Forum Cultural Centre, Leichhardt. There is no audition required. However Michelle will spend…
Latest reviews
‘Carmen’ – Handa opera on Sydney Harbour reviewed
For a second year, Opera Australia has presented an outdoor performance located spectacularly at the Royal Botanic Gardens on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour. Nowhere else in the world is there such a wonderful setting with Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge providing a magical backdrop, and the city lights reflecting in the waters of the…
Vivaldi recomposition rekindles a first love
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons must surely be one of the most recorded works in history. Amazon’s listing of available recordings stretches to over 2000. It is a work that represents a coming of age for any violinist aspiring to a solo career. Perlman, Kennedy, Jansen, Shaham and Mutter have added their names to the roll…