The death was announced earlier this evening of Peter Sculthorpe AO, OBE, arguably the best known Australian composer of the day. He was aged 85.
His output included works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, solo instruments and choral works. He is possibly best known for his integration of Aboriginal and South East Asian idioms into his writing creating a distinct portrait of the Australian Landscape.
Polymath and opera buff Stephen Fry might have some answers to the physiology behind the way audiences respond to opera: http://www.openculture.com/2013/10/stephen-fry-hosts-the-science-of-opera.html
Congratulations to ALL the nominees and winners! Best Classical Album Winner: Sally Whitwell – Mad Rush: Piano Music of Philip Glass (ABC Classics) Karin Schaupp & Flinders Quartet – Fandango (ABC Classics) Latitude 37 – Latitude 37 (ABC Classics) Richard Tognetti (violin), Australian Chamber Orchestra – Mozart Violin Concertos Vol 2 (BIS) Teddy Tahu Rhodes…
When nationally renowned viola da gambist Jenny Eriksson formed Australia’s first electric viola da gamba band, Elysian Fields, she had one pianist in mind: Matt McMahon. Jenny and Matt developed their friendship over several years of performing together at jazz gigs. In 2014 she finally invited him to write for, and appear with, her…
Deutsche Grammophon’s series of Mozart opera recordings continues with the 6th instalment, Die Zauberflöte, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, available now. Initiated by and featuring Rolando Villazón, in collaboration with Festspielhaus Baden Baden, Die Zauberflöte follows very successful productions of Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, Die Entführung aus dem Serail…
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir under Artistic Director Paul Dyer AO, have released a recording of their popular annual Noël! Noël! Christmas concert. This release was recorded live at St Francis of Assisi Church, Paddington NSW in December 2016 and is a Christmas celebration like only the charismatic Paul Dyer and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir…
Musical talent was an asset central to the eligibility of Jane Austen’s heroines. Indeed, music was part of family entertainment and society life. Musicologist and soprano Professor Julianne Baird from Rutgers University is in Perth this week to discuss and perform from the Jane Austen Songbook. If you can’t hot foot it to Perth, check out this article…