November 26 Concert - Michelangeli Ensemble

The November Chamber Music Concert
for the Robertson Village Music Society
will be held at St John's Christian Education Centre,
Meryla St, Robertson, NSW.

26 November 2008 at 2:00pm.

Michelangeli Ensemble
James Kortum , flute Julia Ryder, cello Verna Lee, harp

Introductory notes:
Since its debut in 1997, the Michelangeli Ensemble has established a reputation as one of Australia’s most versatile and innovative chamber music ensembles. The unique combination of flute, strings and harp lends itself particularly to the music of the Impressionist and their followers. A shared interest in discovering and promoting rare and unusual repertoire has led to many Australian premières of music spanning six centuries. The Michelangeli Ensemble enjoys presenting their programmes in an intimate and informal setting reminiscent of the 19th and early 20th centuries. They have presented a series in the music room of Longacres, the former home of Arthur Streeton and in Government House for the Harp Society Gala. 2009 sees an expansion of their current series to four venues in and around Sydney as well as a partnership with the Alliance Française


Concert Programme


16th Century Italian Lute Pieces .......arr. Owens
Balletto – Villanella – Passacaglia – Siciliana - Gagliarda


Exotic Dances I III IV .................. Colin Brumby


Pastorales de Noél ........................André Jolivet
L’Etoile Les Mages La Vièrge et l’enfant
Entrée et Danse des Berges


Interval

Trio ........................................ Christopher Steel
Allegro non troppo Sostenuto e cantabile Presto



At Dusk ..........................................Arthur Foote


American Folk Song Suite............ Dewey Owens



Michelangeli Ensemble – Biographical notes:













James Kortum - Flute
Originally from the USA, James came to Australia as principal flautist of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Subsequently he has been principal flute with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, second flute for the SSO and principal for productions of Phantom of the Opera and Fiddler on the Roof.
Prior to his present position as lecturer in flute at the Sydney Conservatorium, James was lecturer in flute the Newcastle Conservatorium.










Julia Ryder - Cello
Julia Ryder has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most accomplished performers. She has won prizes for her interpretation of Beethoven and chamber music as well as for her performances at the Darmstadt Ferienkurse für Neue Musik. She has worked with some of the world’s most distinguished musicians, touring and recording extensively as soloist and in Australian and European ensembles.. She is a founding member of the chamber ensembles Charisma and Michelangeli and has taught in Germany, England and in Australia at the University of Melbourne, the Sydney Conservatorium and AICM. lecturer in flute at the Newcastle Conservatorium .









Verna Lee - Harp
Verna is one of Australia’s leading harpists and sought after teachers. Since her performance debut at age 13, Verna has attracted critical acclaim and won several prizes and awards. She has performed and recorded extensively as both soloist and as a member of all major Sydney orchestras and several visiting international orchestra. An active recitalist and chamber musician she has played with ensembles I Australia and Germany.
Verna performs regularly with soprano Amelia Ferrugia and Welsh singing sensation Aled Jones.