‘Baroque Spirit’ a concert that draws inspiration from Ottoman, Romani and Celtic influences, and explores the rich weave of styles as nations looked beyond their European borders towards new discoveries. The result was music that bridged time and place, building on ancient foundations to develop a new spirit of musical exuberance and vitality.
Sally Melhuish says, ‘The repertoire for ‘Baroque Spirit’ reflects the variety and diversity in styles across regions and time periods, highlighting composers’ thirst and curiosity in exploring new styles. Apart from one piece, the music on this program was composed within a 150-year period but is all remarkably different in character. This multicultural mix contrasts the familiarity of a Bach Chorale Prelude with Scottish, English and Irish folk melodies, Moldavian dances written in a Turkish idiom, and Spanish guitar music that hints at West-African influences. Linking the past with the present, the concert begins with the Allegretto from Palladio (1995) written by Sir Karl Jenkins in the year Salut! Baroque began! I love exploring the common ground between all these different styles and presenting them in a way that both informs and entertains.’
Canberra: Friday 11 April 2025, 7.30pm, Wesley Church, Canberra
Sydney: Sunday 13 April 2025, 3.00pm, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
2MBS Fine Music Sydney subscribers have the chance to win one of five double passes for the Sydney performance on Sunday 13 April at 3pm.