Think back to the celebrations of the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and the flotilla of boats on the Thames. One of those boats contained a troupe of elite musicians and their director who provided music for those who were close enough to hear them as they passed by. That ensemble was the Academy of Ancient Music and their director, Richard Egarr is to perform in Sydney with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
The Federal Minister for the Arts, The Hon Simon Crean has invited public contributions to a discussion paper that will result in the formulation of a National Cultural Policy for Australia – the first one in 20 years. Estimating the 90 % of Australians participate in the arts, the Minister aims to create a 10 year plan that will…
Happy Birthday George Frideric Handel born this day in 1685! Check out the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s debut performance of Handel’s masterpiece Messiah, which opened at the City Recital Hall last night, with the Brandenburg Choir and soloists. The season runs in Sydney till March 4. Scroll down to see all 7 images. Images by Steven Godbee, courtesy…
Maestro Zubin Mehta has been made a Companion of the Order Australia in a surprise ceremony which capped off a sumptuous performance with the Australian World Orchestra in the newly refurbished Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House on Fridat night. Presenting the award was the Governor-General, His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC.
Concerto writing for the violin in the 21st century is alive and well with the works of these celebrated living composers listed by Gramophone magazine. http://gramophone.co.uk/editorial/ten-violin-concertos-by-living-composers …and as a sequel to its list of 21st century violin concerti, Gramophone magazine nominates its list of top 10 20th century violin concerti. http://gramophone.co.uk/editorial/top-ten-20th-century-violin-concertos
Conductor and music educator Richard Gill is passionate about the importance of expertly taught music in the school curriculum. He says ‘ unless children are receiving a first-rate music education, taught by teachers who know about music, children’s brains are being starved, in part, of the necessary stimulants that generate creativity in an individual.’ Click here to read the…
The Guardian reported last month that two original works by Gustav Holst have been discovered in the library of New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty Symphonia. Written in 1906, Folk Songs from Somerset and Two Songs Without Words were authenticated by matching the handwriting, address and signature of Holst with internet sources. The discovery was verified by…