All posts - Page 27 of 71

The Sibelius Kullervo Symphony

Classical Fine Music Magazine

Dan Bickel investigates the work’s epic background The Kullervo Symphony, an early composition by Jean Sibelius, is a five-movement work for soprano, baritone, male choir, and orchestra. The premiere took place on 28 April 1892 in Helsinki and was both a great success and a breakthrough for Sibelius in establishing his career as a composer. It also came at a time when Finland was trying to gain independence from Imperial Russia and critics praised the work for its strong nationalism based on the Finnish language national epic, The Kalevala, and for evoking the melody and rhythm of Finnish runic singing. However, subsequent performances received only lukewarm reviews. Sibelius withdrew the manuscript and it wasn’t revisited until 1958, the year after his death.

Sophie Hutchings: In a natural way

Classical Fine Music Magazine

Lyndon Pike talks to the Australian neoclassical composer I first encountered the music of Australian pianist Sophie Hutchings back in 2010 via her album Becalmed, which served as the soothing soundtrack on my car’s stereo as I drove laps of my suburb late at night to lull my first-born child, a notoriously difficult sleeper, to rest. I told Sophie he’s heard that album more than most. I also connected with Sophie to discuss the healing power of music, her new album A World Outside, her upcoming show at the City Recital Hall and more.

An Evening in Honour of Jeff Beck

Events

Renowned guitarist Paul Mason is set to dazzle the Factory Theatre once more with his critically acclaimed Evening in Honour of Jeff Beck.

Maria Callas: incomparable voice and stage presence

Classical Fine Music Magazine

Derek Parker celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Maria Callas It was during the Second World War, in German occupied Athens, that Maria Callas began her career as a professional singer. Born in New York in 1923, she had been brought to Greece by her domineering mother after her parents’ divorce, and at fourteen was enrolled in the Greek National Conservatoire. In 1939 she sang in public for the first time at a students’ concert – choosing for her début an aria from Tosca.

CD Review: Over Under – Luke Severn, Evan Fein

CD Reviews Classical

I imagine that the title of this release refers to the fact that the musicians involved hail from different hemispheres, but have also performed together in both the USA and Australia. Luke Severn is Australian and currently the artistic director and principal conductor of the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra. He is a cellist and, as a champion of contemporary repertoire, has commissioned a sonata from his friend Evan Fein.

The talent of Cécile McLorin Salvant

Barry O'Sullivan Fine Music Magazine

Barry O’Sullivan reviews her headline performance at the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival There is no doubt that Cécile McLorin Salvant has been blessed with a unique vocal instrument. Commencing classical piano lessons at the age of five and then singing in a children’s choir at age eight, she began classical voice lessons as a teenager and progressed to university level in France, where she studied baroque and jazz music (as well as law) at the Darius Milhaud Conservatory in Aix-en-Provence. Salvant then went on to win the Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition in 2010 and has received three Grammy Awards for Best Vocal Album. Since then, her international reputation and live performance career has skyrocketed.

CD of the Week – Il Sassone

CD of the Week Exclusive Subscriber Offers

In 18th century London it was common for publishers to make arrangements of operatic arias for small ensembles ideal for playing in the home. On Il Sassone, False Consonance, seek to revitalise this tradition through a selection of instrumental arrangements of popular arias from Handel’s operas.

Meet the 2024 2MBS Artist in Residence – Outback Brass

Emerging Artist Program

Outback Brass is a quintet that was formed in 2018 by Phill O’Neill, who, after having spent years living in regional Australia where he felt top-level musical performances were less common there than in coastal centres and major cities, had the desire to develop an ensemble with a primary focus on sharing and performing top level Australian music far and wide, including remote areas of Australia. Upon Outback Brass being announced as 2024 2MBS Classical Artist in Residence, Phill commented that “we look forward to working with 2MBS to promote Australian music, composers and performers, to build a strong love of classical chamber music in all areas of Australia.

Cassandra Doyle – 2024 Kruger Scholar

Emerging Artist Program

Meet our 2024 Kruger Scholar, Cassandra Doyle. Following the completion of her Bachelor of Music (Performance) degree at the Sydney Conservatorium in 2023 Cassandra will travel to Europe and North America to pursue further study, performance opportunities and audition for young artist programs.

The World of a Symphony: Popov and Shostakovich

Classical Fine Music Magazine

Imagine living in an age where in a stroke, your life could be erased from the pages of history while being forced to rejoice through clenched teeth and a bitter heart. A world whose very social fabric was being ripped apart at the seams and replaced with fear, betrayal, lies, and above all, terror.