The Jane Austen Songbook
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…
Stephen Fry on classical music
“All music… is about the supreme expression of all mankind” Stephen Fry. Stephen Fry has been debating the relevance of classical music at the Cambridge University Union. In the 21st century, we have more access to more music, instantly. Are perople still listening to “classical” music? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13373628 Stephen Fry and DJ Kissy Sell Out exchange…
The marimba….rosewood meets aluminium
The NSW Doctors’ Orchestra (see Music, Medics and Marimbas) is soon performing in Sydney with Sandy Sin on the marimbas. SoundsLikeSydney took the opportunity to refresh its memory on this unusual percussion instrument…. The marimba is fundamentally a xylophone, taken to South American continent by African slaves where it acquired its name and became especially…
critiquing the critic
Audiences rely on them; performers love them or loathe them. Much has been discussed and written about the role of the critic. In an ideal world, the critic would perform one key function: to express a knowledgeable and balanced opinion about as many possible aspects of a performance which they have attended. They inform their readers about…
happy birthday dame nellie!
Dame Nelli Melba was born on May 19th 1861. Today marks the sesquicentenaryof her birth in Melbourne. Australia Post has released a stamp to commemorate the occasion. Good enough reason to actuall post a letter, rather than send an email! On the stamp is fellow Victorian Rupert Bunny’s salon portrait of the great soprano. Did…
Double Apra awards to Paul Stanhope
In a project reminiscent of Daniel Barenboim’s efforths at political and social reconciliation through music, composer Paul Stanhope has created “Exile Lamentations” , a work for chamber choir, soloists and oud, which was performed in Sydney by the Sydney Chamber Choir recently. This week Stanhope was awarded two APRA awards for composing both this (“Deserts of…
“The origin cycle” wins 2011 APRA Performance of the year award
In November 2009, what might have been “A Night at the Museum” saw the Sydney premiere of the “Origin Cycle” at the Australian Museum. This intriguing performance by soprano Jane Sheldon and Ensemble Offspring, conducted by Roland Peelman, is now a contender for the title of Performance of the Year in the 2011 APRA Arts Music Awards. “The Origin Cycle” is…
2011 APRA ART MUSIC AWARD WINNERS
Composer Paul Stanhope made his mark on the 2011 APRA Art Music Awards announced last night. His compositions won Work of the Year in both Instrumental (String Quartet No 2) and Vocal/Choral categories. (Deserts of Exile). Sydney audiences were mesmerised by “Deserts of Exile” when the Sydney Chamber Choir performed it in their “Lamentations” programme a few…
2011 APRA AWARDS FINALIST: HALCYON AND GENEVIEVE LANG PERFORM GYGER.
A performance by Halcyon of a work by Elliot Gyger “From the Hungry Waiting Country “ written for specific voices and harpist, is another finalist in the prestigious 2011 APRA Art Music Performance of the Year category. The winners are to be announced tonight. Part of Halcyon’s 2009 “Extreme Nature” programme, the work brings together Halcyon, harpist Genevieve Lang and…