Review: A Ceremony of Carols, The Choir of St James’ King Street

Ceremony of Carols Choir of St James’ Church, King Street, Sydney 23 November 2013  Benjamin Britten was born on St Cecilia’s Day (22 November) 1913 and the Choir of St James’ Church celebrated his centenary with a concert focusing on his music.  It provided a splendid conclusion to a year of fine performances under the…

Review: Die Walküre, Opera Australia

  Opera Australia: Der Ring des Nibelungen: Die Walküre Arts Centre Melbourne/20 November 2013 *****  Now that the glitter has settled on the ‘preliminary evening’, the ‘first day’ of Wagner’s music drama in three acts has been revealed. As was the case with Das Rheingold, audience and critics may be divided on how successfully Opera…

Review: Das Rheingold, Opera Australia

  Opera Australia:  Der Ring des Nibelungen: Das Rheingold Arts Centre Melbourne/18 November 2013  *****  There was certainly a buzz of excited anticipation as opera lovers mingled with the glitterati for the unveiling of Opera Australia’s first Ring Cycle – the monumental work that is said to mark the coming of age of an opera…

CD Review: Anne-Sophie Mutter, Dvorak

  Anne-Sophie Mutter’s virtuosity and dazzling technique liberate her to give full vent to poignancy and passion in her debut recording of Dvorak’s violin music with the Berlin Philharmonie, her first collaboration with this orchestra in 30 years. Making his first appearance as conductor with the Berliner Philharmoniker and Deutsche Grammophon is  Manfred Honeck, like…

Concert Review: Musica Viva/Macliver/The AAM/Egarr

  “A glorious mastery over these sometimes-troublesome instruments” says Peter McCallum in the Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/academy-of-ancient-music-sara-macliver-and-co-bring-clarity-and-comeliness-20131110-2x9m1.html …..and Graham Strahle reviews the Adelaide concert for The Australian http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/affectionately-yours-egarr-keeps-academys-ancient-history-alive/story-e6frg8n6-1226756826169

Concert Review 1: Britten’s ‘War Requiem’/Sydney Symphony/Ashkenazy

  As we acknowledge Remembrance Day today, this month we pay special attention to the birth centenary of Benjamin Britten which falls on November 22nd. All year there have been performances of his music around the world. This weekend especially, the two anniversaries were remembered with performances of his War Requiem in many cities. Read Peter McCallum’s review in the…

Concert review: ‘Seaven Teares’ – Dowland’s Delightful Birthday Bash

Dowland in the 21st Century 10 November 2013 During 2013 the musical world has been focusing on the bicentenaries of Verdi and Wagner with some attention also being given to the Benjamin Britten centenary.  Not much notice has been taken, however, of the birth 450 years ago of the English lutenist and songwriter John Dowland. …

Concert Review: Australia Quartet ‘Transfigured Night’

  Australia Quartet Transfigured Night, Thursday 31 October, Utzon Room Sydney Opera House. Programme: Kats-Chernin E: Scherzino (2013) World Premiere. Schoenberg A: Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night) arr. Barton Staggs, Schumann R: Piano Quartet in E flat major, op.47. In a well balanced programme of old elements and new, the Australia Quartet’s offerings proceeded in reverse…