Flute And Harp Create Spanish Souvenirs
Two of Australia’s vibrant young instrumental soloists, Jonathan Henderson and Emily Granger, create an enchanting combination of flute and harp in a classical recital celebrating the rich heritage of Spain’s national dances and folk music.
Spanish Souvenirs is a sixty-minute chamber music recital of colourful music by Ibert, Ravel, Marais, Chabrier, De Falla and Bizet, centred around music with Spanish motifs, ranging from Spanish Baroque styles through to colourful folk songs of diverse regional origins.
After first playing a smaller programme to sold out audiences at the 2019 Craven Creek Music Festival in Gloucester NSW, the duo are delighted to reunite in a full recital this year. “Our musical chemistry was obvious from the start”, says Newcastle-born flautist Jonathan Henderson, who has recently returned to Australia after nine years based in Europe . “After that first rehearsal in Gloucester, we started to plan a full tour for 2020.”
“In a chamber music setting, the combination of flute and harp is unbeatable,” says American harpist Emily Granger, now living in Sydney. “The way these two instruments produce sound is totally different, however they blend inexplicably well.”
“Mozart recognise d this delicate, heavenly instrumental pairing and wrote the beloved Flute & Harp Concerto in C, K. 299. Composers have been infatuated with the combination ever since”, Ms Granger said. “There are some soulful, beautiful songs – some which evoke the flamenco guitar, and others a folk singer in a smoky cafe”, Mr. Henderson said.
The concert will close with François Borne’s fiery Fantasie Brillante on Themes from Bizet’s Carmen which incorporates the infamous Habañera, Chanson Bohème and Toreador melodies familiar to many.
Tickets: General Admission $45, Senior & Concession $35, Student $20, Child $15 or purchase at the door. Advance booking is recommended.
