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Science evaulates the art of of the violinmaker – with surprising results!
The Sydney Morning Herald reports on experiment conducted by a researcher at the University of Paris which casts doubt on the superior qualities of violins made by the Italian masters. At the proceedings of the US National Academy of Sciences, Professor Claudia Fritz and her colleagues reported on their double blinded trial in which 21 violinists attending…
Thomas Quasthoff leaves the stage
“Quasthoff has a mellifluous bass baritone (more and more drifting down toward the bass end of the spectrum) with deeply felt musical instincts and a radiant artistic intelligence”. The New York Times 2008. German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff has announced his retirement from the stage after a performing career of several decades. He says: “After almost 40…
ACO scores half a century of tours with latest successes in Europe
The Australian Chamber Orchestra has wrapped up a hugely successful and comprehensive tour of Europe with a private recital for Prince Charles and 150 invited guests at St James’ Palace. During the tour, the ACO performed in Birmingham, London, at Vienna’s Musikverein, and Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, in Antwerp, Wilhelmshaven, Luxembourg and Basel. This brings up their half century…
The ABC’s top 100 20th century works
This weekend, the ABC revealed its list of ‘Classic 100 20th Century Works’ culminating in a live broadcast from the Adelaide Festival Centre. The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Northey were joined by soloists Kristian Chong (piano), Ji Won Kim (violin), Simon Tedeschi (piano) and Pei-Jee Ng (cello) to perform from the works that…
Sumi Jo Review
Here it is: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/virtuosity-comes-as-excellence-and-parody-20111202-1ob0l.html Were you there? Tell us what you thought!
In Search of Beethoven
This is the link to the SMH and SkyArts presentation of the 2009 production “In Search of Beethoven”. It features, amongst others, Emmanuel Ax, Roger Norrington and Riccardo Chailly. http://www.smh.com.au/tv/show/in-search-of-beethoven/in-search-of-beethoven-20111202-1oaij.html
Latest reviews
Review roundup
A collection of the weekend’s reviews: Stephen Hough’s Canberra concert: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/what-a-little-bit-of-moonlight-can-do/story-e6frg8n6-1226156246934 Placido Domingo and Katherine Jenkins in Sydney: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/domingos-wondrous-voice-rises-above-arena/story-fn9d2mxu-1226156233592 http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/aptly-seduction-set-the-tenor-for-a-night-of-vocal-splendour-20111002-1l3qr.html The Vienna Philharmonic in Perth: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/old-school-orchestra-lives-up-to-its-conservative-traditions/story-fn9d2mxu-1226156272290
Macheath leaves town as Don Giovanni comes to stay
As one lothario’s time in Sydney comes to an end, another moves in. The Sydney Theatre company’s production of the Brecht/Weill Threepenny Opera closed over the weekend as Opera Australia’s production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni opened. In many ways the two men, Macheath and Don Giovanni are similar. Murderers, rapists and, unscrupulous seducers whose evil is made…