Benaud Trio: Music by Ross Edwards, Paul Stanhope, Matthew Hindson, Nicholas Buc

MR301139 Australian chamber music is healthy when you come across a disc with contents such as these new piano trios (all written in the last decade or so). Each composer included here has his own distinctive voice in this genre, and has made significant contributions that should endure in history. Written for the Melbourne International … Read more

Corralling the Masses: A Mammoth Musical Journey

After 10 years at the helm of the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Artistic Director Brett Weymark is looking forward to another full year of exciting and challenging choral music for Sydney audiences. With fifteen concerts scheduled for 2013, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs will take audiences on a mammoth journey of musical styles, ranging from the late … Read more

Sounds of the Soul

Lian Husi Klamar: The Traditional Music of East Timor Ros Dunlop Published by Tekee Media, 2012 $59.95 The first book to emerge concerning the music of the newest nation in the world, East Timor, is a rich resource, bursting at the seams with glorious photographs, paintings, songs and diagrams. Collated and written by classically-trained clarinetist, … Read more

Cello Romance

ABC 476 5162 Anthologies of famous cello music abound, but this latest 2CD release from ABC Classics deserves to be heard. It is a compilation of recordings made mostly by Australians, including Janis Laurs, Li-Wei Qin, Sally Maer, Louise King, Michael Goldschlager, Julian Thompson, Suzanne Wijsman, Noeleen Wright, Daniel Yeardon, Anthea Cottee, Fenella Gill and … Read more

Konstantin Shamray in Recital

ABC 476 4954  The Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia (SIPCA) attracts some of the finest young pianists from all over the world, and has established for some, careers beyond the competition stage. A favourite performer and winner of the 2008 competition has been Russian pianist, Konstantin Shamray (taking five other prizes, including the People’s … Read more

This Christmas: The Idea of North

ABC 476 5169 Reviewed by Barry Walmsley If you want your Christmas to groove along with some stunning arrangements, then The Idea of North’s latest recording is an absolutely must. This ensemble, known for its contemporary flavour and mellow vocal blend, has captured the joy of the season with a selection of traditional carols. American … Read more

Bach: The Cello Suites

Bach: The Cello Suites Michael Goldschlager ABC Classics 476 4625 Reviewed by Barry Walmsley To record yet another CD of these great and enduring landmarks in the cello repertoire requires great courage but more importantly, something distinctive to say. Afterall, all the great cellists of the world have put their imprint on these suites: names … Read more

The Good, The Bad and the Awkward

The Good, the Bad and the Awkward Sally Whitwell (pianist) ABC Classics 476 4898   Reviewed by Barry Walmsley At first, I picked this CD up and wondered what it was all about… Great music played by a pianist who is one of the fastest evolving personalities in the Australian classical music scene today – … Read more

A Romantic Christmas

Stephanie McCallum (pianist) ABC Classics 476 4689 This selection of piano music really can be heard at any time of the year, but pianist Stephanie McCallum has chosen a lovely anthology of music which is directly related to the Christmas theme, or would suit the festive season. Amongst the glitter and fake snow that comes … Read more