Latest news
Covent Garden head comments on the ‘right’ stuff in singers – or lack thereof
Antonio Pappano, the director of music at the Royal Opera House has commented that newer generations of oepra singers doesn’t have the mettle to deal with the demands of a career in opera. “Singers don’t have to submit to exploitation. Karita Mattila doesn’t have a brand of perfume or a dessert named after her, or…
The quirks of clapping
What if….just once, the audience didn’t applaud at the end of a performance? Not because they weren;t appreciative, but because they were so moved, they wished to remain ‘in the moment’ and not disturb the lingering sounds as they soaked in……? A concert without applause would be very different to what we’re used to. Would…
Philippe Jaroussky – staying humble and staying fresh
French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky admits to a little apprehension about taking to the stage with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra this evening, on the opening night of an 8 concert tour to Sydney and Melbourne. An unusual admission for so seasoned a performer. Yet, it takes a rare strength and assuredness to admit to such vulnerability. Jaroussky…
‘Carmen’ – the costumes
A sneak look at the some of the fabulous costumes by Julie Lynch –
‘Carmen’ – picture gallery from behind the scenes at the dance rehearsals
Images from dance rehearsals for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s Carmen – scroll down to see all three: Images: Ben Symonds.
‘Carmen’: Handa Opera on Sydney harbour – Rinat Shaham’s insights
In an overnight transformation, mezzo-soprano Milijana Nikolic has shed several decades from her persona and gone from singing the role of one doomed gypsy to another. The day after the closing performance of Il Trovatore, in which she portrayed Azucena, she was rehearsing the role of Carmen which she will sing in Handa Opera on…
Latest reviews
‘Lady Sings the viol’ the Marais Project – CD review
Abandon your notions regarding the viola da gamba when you listen to this recording, Lady Sings the Viol, from The Marais Project. In their 4th studio recording, the ensemble, led by gambist, founder and Music Director Jennifer Erkisson has gathered an ensemble of 5 female voices (Belinda Montgomery, Nicole Thomson, Megan Cronin, Narelle Evans, Mara Kiek)…
From Cadenzas to Riffs: Amy Dickson’s ‘Catch Me If You Can’
Amy Dickson, the Sydney born saxophonist has released her 3rd solo CD Catch Me If You Can (ABC Classics 481 0118) a pleasurable demonstration of her prowess and the potential of this instrument. Playing the alto saxophone, she has recorded three complete and substantial works, Escapades by John Williams (b1932), Concerto for Saxophone by Michael Kamen (1948 – 2003) and…