Music Education &
Performing Arts Consultant
Barry Combining the old with the new, the traditional with the contemporary in music is no mean feat. But for Stephen Cleobury, Director of Music of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, this is an essential element of remaining at the forefront of choral singing in an ever-changing world. Whilst he and the choristers of this world-famous … Read more
Emma Matthews Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Benjamin Northey ABC 481 0863 The profound poetry of American, Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) is fertile ground for expressive musical treatment. Aaron Copland (1900-1990) visited Dickinson’s New England home, and through his research gained much insight into the reclusive poet. He was considered to be the only person … Read more
BIS 1893 A familiar face on the Australian concert scene, Martin Fröstis one of the world’s few wind players with an international career, who performs with all the major orchestras, as well as in chamber music and solo recitals. On this disc is music Mozart specifically wrote for one of the great clarinetists of the … Read more
Whilst always knowing of the name, Moya Henderson, I first came in contact with the Australian composer’s work when her major commission, Lindy – the opera, was premiered in the Sydney Opera House by Opera Australia. Having followed the story of the Chamberlains since 1980, this work had a special and personal resonance for me. … Read more
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
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
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
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
(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
ANTI 87296-2 The Grammy-award winning Kronos Quartet devotes itself to the new music of Bryce Dessner on this recent release. Based in New York City, Dessner, is a composer and performer, who is rising meteorically in the music world. Some view Dessner as a pop artist, as he is a guitarist, however his intellect and … Read more