S’wonderful – Simon Tedeschi’s ‘Gershwin and Me’
Though separated by time, pianist Simon Tedeschi and George Gershwin have been connected in spirit. Tedeschi’s newly released CD Gershwin and Me ( ABC Classics 481 00322) is an expression of this simpatico, affirmed by Tedeschi’s introduction to the CD in which he says “Gershwin’s music has, in some ways, been the accompaniment to my…
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang reviewed
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the musical from the book written by the alter-ego of Ian (James Bond) Fleming. The musical starring David Hobson opened in Sydney last week. John McCallum reviews the show: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/flying-cars-are-cool-and-so-are-villains/story-e6frg8n6-1226519085593
Synaesthesia: reviewing a journey into the unknown
Descending the spiral staircases into the darkened subterranean caverns of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), was like entering the recesses of the subconscious. The museum was about to host the inaugural coming together of a collision of sensory experiences in the form of Synaesthesia: Music of Colour and Mind, a festival that…
Friar Alessandro, The Voice from Assisi: review
Friar Alessandro, The Voice From Assisi (Decca) is a collection of devotional songs recorded by Friar Alessandro, of the friary of St Francis in Assisi, in Italy’s Umbria district. Many of the songs relate to the Franciscan hagiography. Born Alessandro Brustenghi, in the village of Castiglione della Valle, the 34 year old friar studied composition…
Korngold the starting point for ‘The Silver Violin’: CD review
The Silver Violin (Decca) is the title of the 7th recording for the 25-year-old violinist Nicola Benedetti. It’s a well matched collection of original violin music written for the silver screen, performed by the 2012 Classic Brit Awards ‘Female Artist of the Year’. The CD is a fine demonstration of the breadth of Benedetti’s versatility and the…
Salome reviewed
The character Salome has about as many layers as veils with which she is draped. Gale Edwards directs a thoughtful and refreshing take on the eponymously titled opera by Richard Strauss, which opened in Sydney last week. The narrative is beautifully integrated with Julie Lynch’s costumes, Brian Thomson’s set designs and Kelley Abbey’s choreography. The production is supremely well presented…
Tranquillity: Voices of Deep Calm
There’s no doubt that the sound of the St Petersburg Chamber Choir is quite distinctive. Whether it is the Russian language, the way they speak, the way they sing or even something ‘in the air’, they produce a richness that is unique. The ensemble, conducted y Nikolai Korniev has recorded a compilation of a capella sacred works…
Angela Hewitt reviewed
Peter McCallum reviews Angela Hewitt’s recital for the Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/sublime-bach-rendition-a-moving-experience-20120925-26iig.html
Skelton powers through Grimes at the Proms
Last week Stuart Skelton sang the title role of Peter Grimes in a concert version of Britten’ eponymous opera at the BBC Proms in London. Tim Ashley of TheGuardian describes the production as “overwhelming …sung, acted and played with uncompromising veracity and commitment”. Sydney audiences would be familiar with Skelton’s electrifying performance as Grimes when he sang the role for…