Thoroughbass Performs Overtures And Concertos.

Thoroughbass is delighted to welcome back international keyboard specialist Dr Michael Tsalka in a concert of overtures and concertos for two harpsichords and strings. Tsalka, whose performances last year left audiences enthralled, joins Diana Weston to perform works by J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Scarlatti and others.

Dr Tsalka performs around the world, playing a repertoire that spans the baroque, classical and romantic eras through to the present day. His performances, whether on harpsichord, fortepiano, clavichord or modern piano are historically informed and full of musical integrity.

Bach’s Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings BWV 1055  is well-known to many. Less well-known but no less worthy of performance are Georgio Benda and Alessandro Scarlatti’s concertos for the same combination of instruments.

Vivaldi’s concertos are a wonderful new addition to the repertoire for 2 harpsichords. Skilfully arranged by Stephen Yates  they are part of a collection of 15 concertos for violin and orchestra that he has compiled. The arrangement of Johann Fasch’s Ouverture is also by Yates.

Stephen Yates was born in 1957 in Newcastle and studied violin and piano at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, after which he studied composition with Nigel Butterley and Anthony Brennan. He continued his studies with Dr Martin Wesley-Smith at the Sydney Conservatorium. In 1994, he was selected as one of the six finalists in the Aliénor Harpsichord Composition Awards, for his Suite for Solo Harpsichord. He has written for chamber ensembles, contemporary theatre, dance and marionette companies and is especially interested in writing for solo instrumentalists and for the voice.

Thoroughbass – the performers: Diana Weston (Director/harpsichord) and Michael Tsalka (harpsichord) with Shaun Ng (violin), Tara Hashambuoy (violin), Daniel Cortes (viola), Lucy Cormack (cello) and Angus Ryan (cello)

The programme: Fasch Ouverture FaWV K:g2 arr. Stephen Yates/ Vivaldi Violin concerto RV. 319 arr. for 2 harpsichords by Stephen Yates/ Alessandro Scarlatti Concerto III for Harpsichord and Strings arr. Ottavio Dantone / Georgio Benda Concerto I for Cembalo accomp. 2 violins, viola e violoncello / J.S. Bach Harpsichord Concerto IV BWV 1055 with 2 Violins, Viola and Continuo/ Vivaldi Violin concerto RV. 229 arr. for 2 harpsichords by Stephen Yates

Tickets: Adults $30 | Concession $25 (available online or at the door – booking recommended)

Bookings: www.thoroughbass.com.au Enquiries: 0411 375 821