Musica Viva Unveils its 2019 Programme
Musica Viva has announced its 2019 line-up of international touring artists, morning concerts, masterclasses, educational and mentoring programmes, festivals and composers’ programmes – and it’s a feast of some of the best in chamber music form around the world.
Musica Viva, Australia’s oldest independent professional performing arts organisation opens its 2019 season in February with the acclaimed British cellist Natalie Clein on her first tour for Musica Viva, joined by pianist Katya Apekisheva in a programme of music by Beethoven, Vaughan Williams, Bloch and Kodály, with the English composer Rebecca Clarke’s 20th-century Sonata for viola and piano and a tailor-made premiere by Australia’s Natalie Williams.
In May, Musica Viva introduces pianists Eva-Maria Zimmermann and Keisuke Nakagoshi who together make up ZOFO – a one-piano, ‘20-Finger Orchestra’ whose technically brilliant, taut performances have enthralled audiences. ZOFO commissioned a ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ for the 21st century, asking composers from 15 countries – including Australia’s Carl Vine– to write a short piece inspired by visual art from their own culture. The result is ZOFOMOMA, a celebration of marvellous pianism set against a background of international artworks.
The Doric String Quartet from Britain tours in June with music by Haydn, Schubert and Beethoven, as well as a world premiere by Brett Dean, written for this, his favourite string quartet.
The ever-popular Choir of King’s College, Cambridge makes an eagerly awaited return in July, marking the farewell of the legendary Stephen Cleobury after 37 years as its Director of Music. Tickets are expected to be in hot demand for this programme of concerts, which showcase British music from the Renaissance to now, alongside gems from other lands, including a new work from Australia’s Ross Edwards.
The celebrated American ensemble, the Emerson String Quartet returns to Australia after some two decades, performing two programs. Music by Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven contrasts with a programme of works by Dvořák, Bartók and Shostakovich.
The intriguingly titled ensemble Nevermind (“Never mind who you are – this music is for you”) makes its Australian debut in October. The members of this specialist early music ensemble met at the Paris Conservatoire and are re-inventing the performance of gilt-edged French and German Baroque masterworks.
Skride Piano Quartet (‘skridd-eh’) Piano Quartet is brings its dazzling energy to Australia as celebrated virtuosi, sisters Baiba (violin) and Lauma Skride (piano) join Lise Berthaud (viola) and Harriet Krijgh (cello) in a programme of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Richard Strauss and Brahms as well as a work they have especially commissioned from Graeme Koehne.
It is time too, for the biennial Music Viva Festival – four days, six concerts and nine hours of music, embracing music both old and new. The performer’s line-up include double-bassist Edgar Meyer, reputedly ‘the best in the world’,” joined by the Dover Quartet, pianist Andrew Tyson, violinist Tessa Lark and Australia’s own chamber music legends, the Goldner String Quartet. Also featured are Adam Walker, the Principal Flute of the London Symphony, Timo-Veikko Valve, the Principal Cello of the Australian
Chamber Orchestra and multi-award-winning pianists, Konstantin Shamray and Aura Go. Some of Australia’s most promising musicians from the Chamber Players Program of the Australian Youth Orchestra, as well as ensembles from Musica Viva’s national education program will participate in the festival providing holiday activities for youngsters and entertainment for the adults.Two major compositions by Edgar Meyer will be performed as well as the world premiere a new string octet by the emerging Australian composer Nicole Murphy.
Musica Viva’s Morning Coffee concerts move to the Concourse in Chatswood, featuring through the year, harpist Alice Giles, pianist Aura Go and Sydney Symphony Principals Andrew Haveron,Tobias Breider and Umberto Clerici, the Sydney Chamber Choir and the Goldner String Quartet.
Musica Viva and the Huntington Estate once again present the Huntington Music Festival in November, set in the picturesque surrounds of the Mudgee wine region.
Musica Viva’s educational programmes power on with Michael Sollis directing Musica Viva in Schools and Genvieve Lacey directing Futuremakers. Masterclasses for students, teachers and other interested people are built on the tours by the international artists and the Hildegard Project ensures that the spark of composition remains alive in aspiring Australian composers.
Spoilt for choice – but get in early to hear these brilliant performers!
Subscriptions open 9 August 2018. Single ticket sales open 30 October 2018.
