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Showing posts with label Recitals Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recitals Australia. Show all posts

Wednesday, 11 April 2007

Recitals Australia: concert 5 - Margaret Lambert and Peter Schodde; review

The second performance of concert five for Recitals Australia was a magnificent display of musicianship from two very experienced pianists.

Margaret Lambert worked for many years in Melbourne, but now is a familiar and favourite accompanist in Adelaide.

Recitals Australia Treasurer Peter Schodde met Margaret Lambert at Adelaide Teachers' College, and they both followed their careers, with Peter in Science and Margaret in Music.

Piano Duo Magnifico by Linh

In an astounding performance of Mozart and Brahms piano duets, pianists Margaret Lambert and Peter Schodde combined their skills to present a glorious offering of musical splendour.

In Mozart's 'Sonata in D For Two Pianos' which comprised of three movements, Peter and Margaret displayed impeccable piano virtuosity throughout.
Margaret and Peter conveyed the brightness and happiness in Allegro Con Spirito with deft finger work, they generated graceful melodies to instil a feeling of undisturbed tranquility in Andante and the dynamic duo brought changing moods and varying shades of colours to the third movement Allegro Molto.

The talented pair continued to impress with Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Hadyn Op.56b. The delicate ringing of the pianos combined, exude intricate harmonies and rhythms, while expressing the themes of beauty, balance and bliss.

Margaret and Peter are each talented pianists, and they create fireworks when they share the stage. Two great musical minds working two masterful pair of hands bringing alive the magic of Mozart and the beauty of Brahms.

Recitals Australia: concert 5 - Andrey Lebedev and Laura Pierce; review

After a busy few weeks of Fringe fun, it's wonderful to re-acquaint with the talented performers appearing at the Pilgrim Church for Recitals Australia concerts.

Concert five was a delightful double dose of musical pairings, both instrumental.

The first performance featured talented music students Laura Pierce and Andrey Lebedev from Marryatville High School who have been performing together since 2005.

Laura is a flautist and performed alongside Andrey on guitar in an enjoyable Latin American and Australian showcase including works by Jacques Ibert, Richard Charlton and Maximo Diego Pujol.

Estupenda Musica by Linh

Dressed to reflect the style of music they performed, flautist Laura Pierce and guitarist Andrey Lebedev delivered a fine concert of sizzling Latin American compositions with some Australian flavour added to the mix.

In Jacques Ibert's sprightly Entr'acte, Laura displays technical brilliance and fluidity in her performance, with Andrey equally impressive on guitar with chord sequences typical of Spanish guitar playing.

Following Ibert's melodious composition, was Australian composer and guitarist Richard Charlton's Sonata ? with movements Allegro, Andante and Allegro Animato.

Laura and Andrey immersed themselves in the wondrous harmonies of Charlton's work, and enticed the audience with sweet seductive unison.

Completing their thematic concert, was the Suite Buenos Aires by Maximo Diego Pujol in which Andrey truly shines in his artistry, capturing every nuance in his interpretation of Pujol's music. Coupled with Laura's alluring and airy tones on flute, the performance was a heavenly sound from two very delicate instruments.

Despite their tender years, Laura and Andrey performed with high professionalism and virtuosity in an engaging and enjoyable journey of Spanish influence and charm.

Wednesday, 14 March 2007

Recitals Australia concert 2 - Robert MacFarlane; reviewed in poetry

Bellissimo Lirico Tenor by Linh

Ah, what a joy to attend a wonderful concert by a young lyrical tenor
who can sing of love, romance and passion with great fervour.
Rob MacFarlane is warm and sincere in persona
while in voice, he exudes magnificence and splendour.

In a concert comprising of Beethoven, Bellini, and Lehar
as well as Faure and Handel, he really raises the operatic bar.
From a lilting lightness to dramatic spinto empowerment,
he's superbly supported by Anthony Hunt's accompaniment.

In Handel's Where Shall I Seek The Charming Fair?,
Rob brings sensitivity and sensuous beauty to the song with care.
For Beethoven's An Die Ferne Geliebte, a cycle of songs so beguiling,
His enrichment of the melodies is lyrically enthralling.

Rob gives Bellini's three beautiful songs a vocally polished performance
with his luscious expressive voice encompassing visual brilliance.
For Faure's harmonious Poeme D'un Jour ,
Rob's vocal expression is alluringly seductive to the core.

Lehar's Red As The Rose In Maytime, was a treat for fans of the high C's
as Rob sang that anticipated note with exquisite expertise.
It was a concert incorporating good pitch, range, emotional sensitivity,
highlighting Rob's vocal magnificence and musicality.

Recitals Australia concert 2 - Robert MacFarlane; review



It's always a joy to spend lunchtime listening to talented artists perform for Recitals Australia at the Pilgrim Church each Wednesday afternoon.

Although, still kicking myself after missing out on seeing 15 year old pianist Marianne Grynchuk perform, I was lucky to catch tenor Robert MacFarlane's concert.

A young and handsome lyric tenor with the ability to pack a spinto punch in his dramatic delivery, Rob MacFarlane has vocal versatility to sing various operatic roles.

Also a winner of many awards, he's currently studying for his Honours Degree at the University of Adelaide under the tutelage of Keith Hempton.

In this wonderful recital, Rob presents songs from George Frideric Handel, Ludwig van Beethoven, Vincenzo Bellini, Gabriel Faure and Franz Lehar accompanied by Anthony Hunt.

Bellissimo Lirico Tenor by Linh

In a concert comprising of works from diverse composers, it seems the theme is that of love, romance and pursuing your deepest passions to fulfil your wildest dreams.

Rob MacFarlane has warmth, sincerity and professionalism in his stage presence with an abundance of talent to boot.

In Handel's light-hearted 'Acis and Galatea', Rob brings sensuous beauty to Where Shall I See The Charming Fair? . His ability to bring some dramatic depth to portray Acis in search of his lovely nymph Galatea is impressive.

From Handel's baroque to the classically romantic Beethoven, Rob once again showed his mesmerising vocal expertise in a dreamy and beguiling cycle of six songs from An Die Ferne Geliebte. Rob's rich and lyrical tone enriches Beethoven's simple melodies enhanced by Anthony Hunt on piano.

Rob captivates in three beautiful songs from Bellini, with his luscious expressive voice colouring each note to give Maliconia,Ninfa Gentile (Melancholy,Gentle Nymph), Per Pieta, Bell'idol Mio (For Pity's Sake, My Beautiful Idol) , and Ma Rendi Pur Contento (Please Make Her Happy) their full visual impact.

For Faure's gloriously harmonious Poeme d'un Jour, Rob's magnificent tenor voice is alluringly seductive throughout.

A brilliant performance from Rob in Lehar's Red As The Rose In Maytime from 'The Merry Widow', as he hit the high C effortlessly.

A most enjoyable concert from a tenor whose magnificent voice with timbral warmth epitomises the sheer beauty of the human voice. Bravo!

Wednesday, 7 March 2007

Recitals Australia: concert 1 - Jessica Dean; reviewed in poetry

Scintillating Soprano by Linh

The talented couple has returned from an overseas tour
and continues to be the operatic team du jour.
They are pianist Anthony Hunt and soprano Jessica Dean,
South Australia's own opera King and Queen.

The duo presented a delightful concert of beautiful singing and accompaniment
with a few new additions to their repertoire for the audience's enjoyment.
Selected songs from Ottorino Respighi, Oliver Messiaen and Verdi
all sang exquisitely by Jessica accompanied with Anthony's piano virtuosity.

Jessica introduced the songs with eloquence and flair
describing songs ranging from fervent passion to deep despair.
The audience was enraptured and enthusiatic
as they were assured of an afternoon filled with operatic magic.

Respighi's 'weather exploits' from his 'Song Cycle' was a magical treat
as Jessica sang Notte (Night) so gently and sweet.
Her powerfully dramatic delivery of Nebbie(Fog) was arresting,
while Anthony evoked rainfall for Piogga (Rain) in his intricate playing.

Le Collier (The Necklace) by Olivier Messiaen was a joy to behold
as Jessica embraced each poetic note with a voice so tender yet bold.
Jessica captivated with arias from Verdi, Poulenc and Mozart,
with arias that lightens the mood or pierces the heart.

Verdi's Sul Fil D'un Soffio Etesio was skilfully sung
with Jessica's voice climbing up each musical rung
then dipping into her dark tones with agile ease
to complete a challenging song with exceptional expertise.

It was an impressive presentation of vocal repertory with stirling accompaniment
from a couple who truly have passion, talent and commitment,
and have musical ability to excite, entertain and engage.
They are a pair with a successful future on the world's classical stage.

Recitals Australia: concert 1 - Jessica Dean


The second Recitals Australia performance for concert 1 featured soprano Jessica Dean accompanied by Anthony Hunt on piano.

The young and funky husband and wife team, perhaps the new Sutherland/Bonynge, recently returned from a tour throughout Europe with the St Peter's Cathedral Choir.

They presented some of their new repertoire of Verdi, Respighi and Messiaen to a delighted and admiring audience.

Scintillating Soprano by Linh

Possessing one of the loveliest voices, including the artistry of animation and expression, Jessica Dean presented a concert showcasing the best of her vocal talents.
Accompanist Anthony Hunt delivered precision and virtuosity throughout, providing stirling support to create an afternoon of operatic brilliance.

Jessica introduced each piece with a brief description with humour and assurance, adding to the audience's interest to a much anticipated concert performance.

Ottorino Respighi's 'Song Cycle' was splendidly executed as Jessica sang through nature's elements, powerfully dramatic and arresting in Nebbie (Fog). Throughout Piogga (Rain) Jessica sang of a woman seeking relief from the anguish of lost love against relentless rain rhythms, and Anthony cleverly evoked pouring rain and patterns of streaming water over the window sills in the piano parts.

Jessica brings sensual ecstacy to Olivier Messiaen's Le Collier (The Necklace), caressing each poetic note with her mesmerising vocal qualities.

Following a short break, Jessica immersed herself in arias from some of opera's greatest composers.

Her rendition of Ach! Ich Fuhls from Mozart's 'The Magic Flute', was dramatically alluring in voice with good interpretation of the character Pamina.

A very fine effort in singing a Verdi aria, Sul Fil D'un Soffio Etesio from 'Falstaff', with her rich, dark soprano voice hitting its mark. Although still young, Jessica can easily dip into her lower register, then send her voice soaring to the heavens in a delicate lightness.

A wonderful presentation of diverse vocal repertory and skilful mastery of technique and expression, with exceptional accompaniment.

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.