Articles & Reviews

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

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

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

From its inception in 1977, the Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia (like the Sydney Opera House, venue for its finale) has placed Australia in the eyes of the world as one of the top ranking destinations for competitions of this kind. It is the musical equivalent of the Olympics, bringing the best pianists from … Read more

This is one of these most delightful recordings of unknown music by some highly regarded and newer names in Australian composition in which both artists, Emma Knott and David Miller have combined to produce a performance of great merit, exuberance and sheer delight. The compositional style of Amanda Handel, May Howlett, John Spence and Steve … Read more

This is the debut recording for ABC Classics by this hugely successful quartet. The quartet, comprising Sophie Rowell and Anne Horton (violins), Saly Boud (viola) and Rachel Johnston (cello), bring a sophistication and dazzling virtuosity to this French music that is captivating. Both quartets, masterpieces in their own right, are the only works in this … Read more

This is a compilation album from ABC Classics which uses mostly Australian soloists, choirs, and ensembles, but with several international names thrown in for good measure. The big name singers which make this an even more attractive recording are Renee Fleming, Kiri Te Kanawa, Renata Tebaldi, Leontyne Price, Bryn Terfel, Yvonne Kenny and Joan Sutherland, … Read more

Newcastle Herald Thursday February 10, 2000 MANY will have played his music. Others will have heard his arrangements on film, television and CD. Now Australian musicians and particularly piano enthusiasts and teachers will have the chance to meet one of the world’s great arrangers, Dan Coates. With more than 400 publications in circulation, Mr Coates … Read more

Newcastle Herald Thursday January 27, 2000 IN the first Newcastle concert series of the century, the Australian Chamber Orchestra will welcome the acclaimed French-Canadian pianist, Marc-Andre Hamelin, who is making his Australian debut. In a world crowded with outstanding pianists, Mr Hamelin has carved a special niche as a super-virtuoso (as the New York Times … Read more

Newcastle Herald Thursday July 1, 1999 ANDRAS Schiff is one of the great pianists of the world today. Born in Budapest in 1953, he was only five years old when he began studying the piano. Central to his artistic activities are his solo recitals which in recent years have seen him perform cycles of works … Read more