Dame Nellie Melba: The First Recordings ABC 476 3556

Melba (1861-1931) was Australia’s first international superstar of opera, her voice and charisma captivating audiences, royalty and the finest composers of the age. She had studied scores personally with Saint-Saens, Gounod, Massenet, Delibes, Verdi and Puccini. Although earlier recordings (1890’s) had been made previous to this set of 1904, Melba hated the result and had … Read more

Opera’s Greatest Choruses Opera Queensland Chorus, The Queensland Orchestra, Johannes Fritzsch (conductor) ABC 476 3489

Whilst opera in this country seems to be centred in Sydney, it is pleasing to see other professional companies recognised, such as Opera Queensland. Having enjoyed many productions by this company in Brisbane, I know that its chorus has strength of musical endeavour and supports the action on stage in striking fashion. Led by James … Read more

Music of Betty Beath, Wirr 024

This is a compilation of some of the finest work by the Brisbane based composer, Betty Beath featuring superb performers such as sopranos Margaret Schindler, Susan Lorette Dunn and Janet Delpratt, violist Patricia Pollett, pianists Colin Spiers and the composer, along with the Camerata of St John’s (directed by Brendan Joyce), the Queensland Symphony Orchestra … Read more