Reviews Archives - 2MBS Fine Music Sydney

Pinchgut Opera’s Eternal Light

Michael Morton-Evans Reviews

The Holy Roman Emperor Leopold the First was so enamoured of Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere that he asked the Pope for permission to obtain the music. I can just imagine his dismay when his court singers failed to deliver the tones he’d heard in Rome’s Sistine Chapel. Seeking an explanation, the Choir Master in Rome explained that the piece couldn’t be expressed by notes alone, but had to be taught by example.

Review of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge

Michael Morton-Evans Reviews

Britain has a long tradition of choral music stretching right back to the 15th century, so it’s not surprising that the 2500 seat Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House was packed to overflowing for Musica Viva’s presentation of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge on Monday night.

Kirill Gerstein: The Paganini of the Piano

Michael Morton-Evans Reviews

It’s good to have Kirill Gerstein back in the country again after his successful season with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2019. He’s here to perform eight concerts around the country for Musica Viva, and as MV’s artistic director, Paul Kildea, says:” Gerstein’s fearless interpretations are sure to leave audiences reeling.”

Review: Gregg Arthur – The Great American Songbook

Barry O'Sullivan Fine Music Magazine Jazz Reviews

So, what is The Great American Songbook, and how is it loosely defined? It comprises a canon of a significant number of American tunes with lyrics written in the Golden Age of American popular music. Gregg Arthur is an exponent of an art form of singing jazz vocals, and he wants to make sure that it’s not forgotten and doesn’t disappear into the annals of musical history.

Dido and Aeneas

Michael Morton-Evans Reviews

One of the primary difficulties of staging Henry Purcell’s 17th century opera, Dido and Aeneas, lies in reconciling the opera's historical setting with contemporary perspectives. The story of Dido, Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, the Trojan hero, unfolds within the framework of classical mythology. Trying to retain the essence of this ancient world, while making it accessible to modern audiences demands innovative approaches to set design and costuming.

Review: Esmé Quartet

Classical Fine Music Magazine Reviews

The Esmé Quartet’s fourth concert in Australia for Musica Viva was altogether a young affair. Not only were the four players under 35, but the four composers they chose to perform were also under that age when they composed the works played.

Review – West Side Story

Paul Cooke Reviews

Any Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production is going to be buoyed by the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and of course the shimmering shining waters of the Harbour itself at dusk. The question is whether the show will live up to the setting.