Latest news
Tales from a Churchill Fellow – Carolyn Watson’s study tour
Sydney conductor Carolyn Watson is back in Sydney and brimming with her experiences over four months of the southern summer spent travelling on an extended Churchill Fellowship. “The whole point of a Churchill Fellowship” she says, “is that the study has to be something that can’t be undertaken in Australia. My project was to compare…
the Arts top 50 in 2013
The Australian lists the top 50 most influential people on the national arts scene this year: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/top50/2013/the-audience-holds-the-power/story-fnh53dls-1226601890238
The national cultural policy takes shape
Arts Minister Simon Crean is to announce a funding increase of 30% which will benefit 6 arts organisations. Matthew Westwood reports in The Australian.
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…
Latest reviews
Vienna Boys Choir ‘Jubilate Deo’ – classics amidst innovation and the traditional
The Vienna Boys Choir CD Jubilate Deo was released by ABC Classics (476 5094) earlier this year to coincide with the choir’s tour to Australia. This would explain the Antipodean content amongst the 17 tracks on the hour long collection of old and new choral classics, many of which sound best when peformed by the lucent voices of…
Simply beautiful: ‘North + South’ from Jane Sheldon, CD review
Soprano Jane Sheldon is a well respected and popular exponent of two broad styles of music at opposite ends of the timeline – Baroque and early music and, ‘New’ music. Her latest venture a CD with the title North + South (Phosphor Records PR 0001), released earlier this month, demonstrates her mastery of yet another style. North + South is a…