‘HIP’ New Orchestra Arcs From Classical To Romantic Greats
Australia’s new period instrument ensemble, orchestra seventeen88, traces the arc of the greatest Classical to Romantic composers in their latest Sydney outing on St Cecilia’s Day, celebrating the feast day of the patron saint of music.
An Evening with the Viennese Titans features works by Beethoven, Mozart and Schubert – all played on authentic period instruments in faithful performance style.
Conducting the ensemble is Sydney-born-and-bred Benjamin Bayl, now based in Berlin, who has led orchestras and opera companies across Europe and Asia. Soloist and principal flautist is Perth musician, Georgia Browne, who currently resides in London, who will play an authentic wooden ‘classical flute’, consistent with the ethos of the group.
Australian musician and educator Richard Gill OAM is artistic director of the ensemble which was formed in 2013 ‘to inspire, educate and enlighten’ audiences. Drawing on the combination of historical integrity and quality of musical performance, the ensemble is leading the rediscovery of the Classical and Romantic repertoire with the beauty and clarity unique to a full period instrument orchestra. Historically Informed Performance, or HIP, is central to the orchestra’s raison d’etre: all instruments are either 18th century originals or replicas of them.
In a concerted attempt to reverse to the much-cited artistic ‘brain drain’, orchestra seventeen88 is also dedicated to gathering in the finest Australian musicians from overseas and all over Australia, where they perform in various elite national and international ensembles.
Richard Gill OAM is founding Music Director of Victorian Opera and Artistic Director of the Sydney Symphony Education Program. He he is one of this country’s pre-eminent conductors and a passionate advocate of music education. Respected world-wide, Richard was most recently awarded the 2014 Art Music Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music.
Concertmaster of orchestra seventeen88 is the violinist Rachael Beesley who has performed with numerous esteemed international and Australian ensembles.
The performers: orchestra seventeen88 conducted by Benjamin Bayl, with soloist Georgia Browne, classical flute and concert master Rachel Beesley.
The programme:
Beethoven – Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus/ Mozart – Flute Concert in G major, K 313 /Schubert – Symphony No. 9 in C major, D. 944 (“The Great”).
Tickets:$75, $65 conc, $25 students
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