Music Education &
Performing Arts Consultant
Words by Rita Crews; Music by Brett M McKern ISMN 979 1 720115 73 3; Wirripang Pty Ltd Four blessings, or short musical statements, were composed by Sydney-based composer Brett McKern on texts written by Rita Crews. The blessings were intended for, and indeed two were used by, The Cathedral Singers on their UK tour in August, … Read more
Sally Whitwell (Piano) ABC 481 0412 (This review appeared in the December 2013 edition of Fine Music magazine.) In Sally Whitwell’s opening statement for her third CD, she says “I am keeping Classical Music friendly”. She has indeed successfully executed this through her performances and recordings, making a name for herself by chiefly taking slightly … Read more
ABC 481 0348 (This review appeared in the Dec 2013 edition of Fine Music magazine.) Whilst being the resident orchestra for the annual Pinchgut Opera production, the Orchestra of the Antipodes, has forged a significant reputation in the early music landscape. The ensemble’s recording output has captured much of the repertoire of the period, and … Read more
This article appeared in Fine Music magazine (Nov 2013) – available at http://issuu.com/finemusic/docs/fine_music_magazine_november_2013 It is often said that music is an international language. In the person of pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, there is no greater truth. Set to visit Sydney for performances with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in December, Thibaudet is a truly global artist. Having … Read more
Tall Poppies: TP223 A vast array of tonal colours and new ideas are apparent in the third CD from Australian percussionist, Claire Edwardes. This is a disc that not only contains established repertoire, but also new pieces specially composed for Edwardes. The undertaking, however, was to assemble music for only one percussion instrument, hence the … Read more
ABC 481 0331 “You should never judge a book by its cover is the long held saying. So it is with this debut solo disc from the abundantly gifted American mezzo soprano, Lucy Schaufer, that it should not be judged by its uniquely home-spun style cover (a photo of Schaufer as a young girl complete … Read more
Acacia Quartet 840-1202 (2 CD set) The music of Elena Kats-Chernin has immediate appeal for the 21st century as it grabs you by the throat and compels you to listen. It is edgy, striking, colourful, and rhythmically taut, with a momentum that is almost unceasing. This two CD set brings to the fore the composer’s … Read more
Daniel Herscovitch (piano); Elizabeth Neville (cello) Wirr 048 Producing a disc of Chopin music is perhaps a radical departure for Wirripang, which unashamedly promotes Australian composition, but it is a very worthwhile departure. Capturing the remarkable pianistic skills of Daniel Herscovitch in two Piano Sonatas (Op 35 No 2 and Op 58 No 3), as … Read more
ABC 481 0032 Tin Pan Alley comes alive when Simon Tedeschi meets Gershwin in this sumptuous disc of piano music. You can feel the Manhattan energy in Tedeschi’s playing as he delves into the heart and soul of one of the world’s greatest song writers. Having spent years living and working in New York City, … Read more
ABC Classics 481 0188 Influenced highly by literature, particularly Shakespeare, Andrew Ford’s music is inspired by his surrounds (real and literal). His oeuvre is a wondrous voice in Australia’s new music landscape. Taking a diverse array of literary sources for his song cycle, Learning to Howl, Ford crafts a set of songs which are pensive, … Read more