Mahler2/SSO:’A thrilling valediction’
Peter McCallum reviews the opening night performance of Mahler’s Symphony No 2 ‘Resurrection’ by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with soprano Emma Matthews, mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung and the Sydney Philhamonia Choirs, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/a-rich-and-brooding-farewell-to-majestic-mahler-odyssey-20111124-1nwtb.html The performance is repeated on Friday 25th, Saturday 26th and Monday 28th November, with a live broadcast on ABC Classic…
‘First Stones’ reviewed
Check out this review of nine new works presented by Halcyon: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/take-nine-composers-and-hear-how-magic-is-made-20111120-1np4b.html
Farewell Trioz
The farewell tour by Trioz is underway. http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/trios-farewell-trip-down-an-untrodden-mozartian-way-20111110-1n99q.html
Sabine Meyer in Sydney – beyond words
Playing to a packed house last evening (Monday 7 th November) in Sydney were clarinetist Sabine Meyer and the Modigliani String Quartet. How is it ever possible to convey in words the music and the atmosphere that are experienced in a concert? Are words ever sufficient to describe the undisputed virtuoso who has performed around the world…
What’s in a name? Nicknamed music on CD
Try referring to a piece of music by its key and opus number and you can be met with a blank look until you hum the tune or refer to it by its nickname. Opus numbers and keys are an essential part of the identity of a work, but nicknames can be a welcome aide…
extraordinary tale – extraordinary singing from the idea of north
As always, The Idea of North delight listeners with their new CD. Their freshness, purity of tone and unerring pitch, blend like the strands of a braid that start and end their journey together, meandering their own part in between, independent, but never losing sight of being part of the single design. Extraordinary Tale (ABC…
Sydney Camerata grows with metamorphosen
Last week, Sydney Camerata commemorated its third anniversary with a concert they called Metamorphosen,which culminated in the eponymous work for 23 strings by Richard Strauss. The resonant intimacy of North Sydney’s Independent Theatre was well suited to the size and sound of this ensemble, which chameleon like re-configures itself to adapt to what is being performed. Opening the concert with…
‘Sunset’ from the ASQ – an understanding borne of what is not said
As the final notes of Ravel’s String Quartet faded, I wondered what might have coursed through the minds of the players in the Australian String Quartet, especially violinist Sophie Rowell and violist Sally Boud who have chosen to go their own ways from 2012. These four musicians have performed together since 2000, the last 5 years,…
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