The Australia Ensemble@UNSW – Spirits And Shadows
In their May programme, the Australia Ensemble@ UNSW performs music that is surreal, celebratory and experimental.
In a spectacular opening to the program, flautist Geoffrey Collins is joined by two dancers in a newly choreographed version of Thea Musgrave’s Narcissus for solo flute and digital delay. Here both musician and dancer play delightfully with ideas of reflections and shadows.
In Beethoven’s ‘Ghost’ Trio the composer was experimenting with material he would use in an opera based upon Macbeth. Although this was never to eventuate, the Piano Trio has an intriguingly elusive, shadowy quality.
Programmed in celebration of Nigel Butterley’s 80th birthday, Spindles of the Stars is one of the most rewarding chamber compositions of this highly decorated composer.
Max Bruch, whose famous violin concerto overshadows many of his other works, was also an important composer of chamber music and this concert includes selections from his Eight Pieces for clarinet, viola and piano including the mysterious Nocturne.
The programme:
Thea MUSGRAVE Narcissus for flute and digital delay with dancer (1987)
Nigel BUTTERLEY Spindles of the Stars (2005)
Max BRUCH Allegro agitato, Romanian Song, Nocturne and Allegro vivace from Eight Pieces Op.83 for clarinet, viola and piano (1910)
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Piano Trio in D major ‘The Ghost’ Op.70 no.1 (1808)
Bookings & enquiries: 02 9385 4874 www.ae.unsw.edu.au australia.ensemble@unsw.edu.au
Tickets: Adult $48/ Senior $35/ Concession $27/ Student rush $15
