Two World Premieres from Thoroughbass

Thoroughbass directed by harpsichordist Diana Weston presents the world premieres of two new in its November concert The Birch Tree.

Along with ensemble members Lucy Cormack (cello), Shaun Ng (gamba) and Joanne Arnott (recorder), Thoroughbass looks at how folksong has been the inspiration for composers as diverse as Ann Carr-Boyd, Mary Margeau, Elena Kats-Chernin and Bartok.  Thoroughbass will show how composers take a folksong as a starting point and develop it into something else, just like a birch tree growing from sapling to maturity.

The birch tree is a symbol of protection in Russian folklore – its straight and slender mottled trunk is seen as feminine.  It is also the name of a Russian folksong. In The Birch Tree, Elena Kats-Chernin, remembers a popular folksong from her youth and turns it into a charming piece for cello and harpsichord. Ann Carr-Boyd’s Suite for Diana is based on folk tunes from Australia, Latvia and the Middle East. Everyone knows Scarborough Fair – hear it again in a set of delicious variations by Mary Mageau. Experience childhood through the eyes of Bartok, the streets of Buenos Aires through the tango rhythms of Piazzolla, and the romance of Spain with the lush melodies of Sarasate.

The programme:
Mary Mageau – Variations on Scarborough Fair and Greensleeves
Bela Bartók – Selections from For Children
Ann Carr-Boyd – Suite for Diana (WP)
Pablo de Sarasate – Playera
Elena Kats-Chernin – The Birch Tree (WP)
Astor Piazzolla – Invierno Porteňo
Tickets: Adults $30 Concession $25

Website: www.thoroughbass.com.au
Enquiries: 0411 375 821