King of the Air – The Charles Kingsford Smith Musical

Music and Lyrics by Gavin Lockley Lyrics and Book by Ann Blainey The Metropolitan Orchestra & The Rum Corps Choir Sarah-Grace Williams (Conductor) Simon Tedeschi (Solo Pianist) KOTA001 The writing of a musical is an extraordinary feat by anyone’s measure. Australian stories abound which lend themselves to the musical theatre genre. In the story of … Read more

Emma Matthews: Mozart Arias

Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Marko Letonja ABC 481 0776 Here are some firsts. Emma Matthews reveals that this recording is the first recording of her singing Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute), and Susanna (The Marriage of Figaro). She also reveals that the notion of recording came about many years ago (2008). Clearly, … Read more

Empires: Latitude 37

ABC 481 0483 Anyone who has an interest in the 17th century will love this disc. It is remarkable for its attention to authentic performance practice. The three members who make up this relatively new ensemble all learnt their craft at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, a great centre for early music. Baroque violinist, … Read more

Beethoven: Symphony No 9 “Choral” – Australian World Orchestra

Australian World Orchestra Sydney Philharmonia Choir Conductor: Alexander Briger ABC 481 0550 The scale of a work such as Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is truly staggering. Whilst the work has been overused for civic celebratory events, the concert experience (and this recording, which originates from a live concert in the Sydney Opera House) is something that … Read more

Symphony of Australia – The First Musical History of our Nation

(Second edition – 2013) Music and Lyrics by Gavin Lockley Book compiled by Michael Crouch AO ISBN 978 0 980 40802 7 (Hardback with CD) Following a performance of Lockley’s setting of the iconic Dorothea McKellar poem, My Country, came the inspiration to create a six movement Symphonic Poem (complete with vocal and instrumental solos, … Read more