Recitals Australia: concert 1 - Jane MacKenzie; reviewed in poetry

Flawless Flautist by Linh

In a showcase of Scandanavian flair and merriment
we await a flautist and pianist with great excitement.
Jane MacKenzie plays her flute with confidence and majestic poise,
with Berenice Harrison a perfect accompanist of choice.

Together with experience and musical splendour, they form a dynamic duo indeed.
Bringing to life Sibelius, Nielsen, Kaski, de Frumerie and Grieg.
From the Swedish composer de Frumerie, we are invited to the Suite
of brightness, colour, sweet tonality, sensuality; a rhapsodic and dramatic feat.

We are then led to Denmark, with The Fog Is Lifting Opus 41 from Nielsen,
in an everchanging gamut of moods from joy to pain then depression.
Jane victoriously captures each change with eloquence and grace,
along with Berenice whose accompaniment sets the darker and slower pace.

The pair are a complimentary consummation of skill and passion for their craft
providing an afternoon of wonderment; an exquisite display of aural art.
The sounds of Scandanavian musical influences continue to be cherished
long after the 'Recitals Australia' concert has finished.

Recitals Australia: concert 1 - Jane MacKenzie

Every year, the Pilgrim Church opens its doors to the public for a relaxing, entertaining and inexpensive afternoon of concerts showcasing the talents of local performers.

Two performances are staged each Wednesday throughout the year, with tea and biscuits provided during the break.

The first concert of the year featured talented flautist Jane MacKenzie who holds degrees in Science and Medicine and she plays flute with the Burnside Symphony Orchestra.

Recitals Australia secretary Berenice Harrison accompanied Jane on piano.

Flawless Flautist by Linh

In a Scandanavian showcase, Jane MacKenzie may be the featured artist at the concert, yet with the accompaniment of Berenice Harrison, it soon became apparent it would be a dynamic double act.

Jane's ability to pour her musical expression into her performance and capture the essence of the composer's musical intent is highly impressive. Her flute becomes an extention of her entirety as she breathes freshness and vibrancy into the works of Gunnar de Frumerie, Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, Carl Nielsen and Heino Kaski.

The concert began with de Frumier's Suite for Flute and Piano, engaging the audience in an array of bright, colourful, melodic, sensual, well-crafted, rhapsodic and dramatic music for several minutes.

Nielsen's The Fog is Lifting Opus 41 was a highlight, bringing moments of tenderness and pain. Jane tackles the everchanging moods with aplomb, from a bright melodious start, through to melancholy and despair. Berenice's accompaniment wonderfully echoes the dark temperament, and flows back to the melody before the two move together to a slow tempo ending of sadness and reflection.

Berenice's rare and stunning performance alongside Jane's masterful presentation made for a thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable afternoon.