Sydney and Southern Highlands Music Society

Bach in the Dark - next performance 18 September

2011-09-15T20:50:00.008+10:00

Rachel Scott is coming back to Robertson

for her 3rd performance in the

series of Bach in the Dark Performances

Sydney and Southern Highlands Music Society

Presents the third concert in the 2011 series of

"Bach in the Dark”

2.30 pm, Sunday, September 18th

St John’s Hall

Meryla Street

Robertson

Tickets are $30 and include afternoon tea

For reservations call Robert on 0404 444 099

When was the last time you really stopped

and listened to beautiful music?

‘Cellist, Rachel Scott is joined by

Rachel Tolmie, Cor Anglais,

for the third concert in the 2011 series.

Music by composers J.S. Bach,

Bartok and Martin Wesley-Smith

will be performed.

So escape life’s pressures and refresh your soul.

Pull up a chair and come with

the two Rachel s

to discover
some of the finest Classical music ever written...

******

Opera at the Red Barn - a beautiful event and a success.

2011-08-10T11:56:00.002+10:00

The Opera Highlights performance at the Red Barn was hosted by Jim and Alyson Broadfoot, and presented by the Sydney and Southern Highlands Music Society. In keeping with previous Robertson Village Concerts, all profits after expenses go to support local community groups, in this case, the Bowral Hospital or Robertson Garden Club.

The Red Barn

There is no doubt that everyone who attended yesterday's Operatic performance at the Red Barn enjoyed it immensely. As for it being a "success", that is more of a financial calculation, but I was sitting in the second back row, so by my calculation, it was a "full house".

Inside the Red Barn

Ceiling decorations in the Red Barn

The event was produced by Lester Coombs.

Lester Coombs introducing the artists.

Gennadi Dubinsky

Marianne Shepherd, mezzo-soprano

Robert Wilson, Tenor.

Jane Macintosh, from Berry is a new singer, from the Eisteddfod circuit. She has a very fine soprano voice. Coming from Berry, we can regard her as a "local", which is nice. She was a big hit with the audience.

Jane Macintosh, Soprano.

Glenn Amer, Pianist and Singer

Gennadi Dubinsky singing to Marianne Shepherd.

Gennadi trying to impress Marianne ("in character" of course).

The event was nicely staged, and quite informal,

with good interaction between
the players and the audience.

This gentleman is proudly demonstrating
that informal interaction.

Audience member showing signs of a brush with Marianne's lipstick

Opera in Robertson - the Red Barn concert

2011-07-07T13:54:00.002+10:00

On Sunday 7 August the Robertson Village Network will host a fantastic concert with a number of stars of opera. The event is produced by Lester Coombs.

The concert will be held at "The Red Barn", on Jim and Alyson Broadfoot's property, at 53 Missingham Parade.


Location map for the Red Barn

Persons planning to attend are asked to not park on the road. Off-street parking will be available (follow the signs).

Biographical notes of some of the artists are as follows.

Gennadi Dubinsky is currently with the Australian Opera. He may be seen and heard singing in this "clip"
Sydney born Helena Sindelar has an extensive career, having performed both in Sydney and around the world
Marianne Shepherd whose voice has been described as a "sparking Mezzo-Soprano".
Robert Stuart Wilson is a star operatic Tenor.
Glenn Amer is described as a Pianist and Vocalist "with the fingers of Liberace and and the voice of Mario Lanza"

Enquiries and booking may be made to Robert Goldsack 0404 444 099.

In keeping with previous Robertson Village Concerts, all profits after expenses go to Bowral Hospital or Robertson Garden Club.

This event is not strictly a Robertson Village Music Society event, but it has the support and encouragement of our Chairman, Robert Goldsack.

Bach in the Dark - concert 2

2011-06-19T08:15:00.000+10:00

The second concert in this season of Bach in the Dark performances will be held on Sunday 26th June at 2.30 at the St John's Hall, Robertson.

Rachel Scott studied with David Pereira in Canberra and Robert Cohen in London. She has played as a soloist and chamber musician in the United Kingdom, Serbia, Albania, Finland, Hungary and Germany. When she’s not performing, Rachel teaches for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation and Mary McKillop East Timor Mission, teaching and mentoring music programmes for the disadvantaged – this takes her to all sorts of places – country schools, Sydney schools, behavioural schools, and schools in Timor. Rachel plays on an English cello, made in 1749, called Harold. More information on both her and Harold, and news of upcoming performances, can be found at her website. www.bachinthedark.com

Rachel Scott - performing at Powerhouse Museum 2008

David Pereira has been cellist with the Australia Ensemble, Principal Cellist of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with the String Soloists of the Berlin Philharmonic, Felix Ayo, The Chilingirian Quartet, Roger Woodward, the Sydney String Quartet and major orchestras in Australia and New Zealand.

A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium, David also has a Masters Degree in Cello Performance from Indiana University. His recordings have won numerous awards including the 1993 ABC Award for the Best Australian Recording.

David continues to be in demand as a teacher and performer, and through his own 'David Pereira Cello Series' presents chamber music recitals in Canberra, Young, Cootamundra, Bowning and Nowra. www.davidpereira.com.au

David Pereira.

Their program for this second Bach in the Dark concert will be:

D. Gabrielli

Canon a due

J.S.Bach

Marche (BWV 122) – Minuet (BWV 132) – Minuet (116)

from the Anna Magdalena Notebook

J.S.Bach

Invention No.12 in A Major (BWV 783)

Invention No. 13 in A Minor (BWV 784)

J.S. Bach (arr. L.Varga)

Suite in C Major

Entree – Menuet and Trio – Bourrèe – Gigue

J.S. Bach

Prelude for solo cello in D minor (BWV 1008)

Prelude for solo cello in D major (BWV 1012)

Jean Barrière

Sonata No. 10 in G Major

Andante – Adagio – Allegro Prestissimo

INTERVAL

A. Minsky

Three American Cello Duets

Cello Blues – The Good High Alaska Boogie – Way Out West

Béla Bartók

Teasing Song – Dance - Cushion Dance – Wedding Song

J.S. Bach (arr. L.Varga)

Aria (BWV 988)

from the Goldberg Variations

Elena Kats - Chernin

Phoenix Story

Tears From Above – Courting the Dragon

Kreuzer Sonata performance by Willems and Sorkin

2011-04-30T16:41:00.004+10:00

Beethoven's Kreuzer Sonata
will be performed by
Gerard Willems and Evgeny Sorkin
on Saturday 28th May, 2011 at 5pm.

Kreuzer Sonata poster - Willems and Sorkin

Sydney and Southern Highlands Music Society***

presents
internationally renowned

pianist Gerard Willems and violinist Evengy Sorkin

in concert.

Venue: St John’s Church of England Hall, Meryla St, Robertson.

Tickets available from

Robertson Recollections,

Green Heart Gallery

(both in Robertson)

Sophie's Books, Bowral.

Members may reserve a seat
by phoning Robert Goldsack on 0404 444 099

Society Members are reminded
that this is a "Series Concert"

and all financial subscription Members may attend,

under their subscription rules.

However, please advise Robert Goldsack
if you intend to come along,

to avoid problems of over-booking,

as a "full house" is anticipated,

in view of the popularity of these special guest artists.

*** Formerly known as Robertson Village Music Society.

Strelizia to perform in February 2011

2011-02-15T10:57:00.000+11:00

Programme

Wednesday February 23rd, 2011
2pm
at The Christian Education Centre

Meryla Street, Robertson

STRELIZIA

Brahms Piano Trio in C Minor
1. Allegro energico
2. Presto non assai
3. Andante grazioso
4. Allegro molto

Matthew Hindson Piano Trio
1. Moto Perpetuo
2. Repetitions
3. Epic Diva

INTERVAL
(Afternoon tea is available)

Arno Babajanian Piano Trio
1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Allegro Vivace

******

Biographical notes:

Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich | Violin

Victoria Jacono began to play the violin when she was 6 years old. She holds an A-mus-A and L-Mus-A on violin, an A-Mus-A and L-Mus-A on viola and also a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the Australian Institute of
Music.
Along with numerous prizes from eisteddfods and competitions all around the country, Victoria was the winner of the National Youth Concerto Competition, the Wenkart Foundation Scholarship, the Marcus Edwards Violin Prize, the Perry Hart Memorial prize, the ‘International String Player of the Year’ award at the Gisborne International Music Competition in New Zealand, and the Order of Australia Association Scholarship.
Victoria has enjoyed working with many orchestras; performing as concert master for the SBS Radio and Television Orchestra, The Young Symphonists Orchestra, the International Youth Orchestra in Spain 2001, ‘ARCO’ and the Sydney Sinfonia Orchestra.
As a member of these orchestras, she has performed in Japan, China, Hungary, Austria, The Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Spain.

Since 2005, Victoria has been working freelance with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra and the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, alongside many performances and recordings for various pop artists and film productions.

Eleanor Betts | Cello

Eleanor began learning the Cello with Phillippa Jackson at the age of eight, and received her Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the Sydney Conservatorium in 2005 and Master of Music in 2009, studying with Susan Blake.

During her time at the Conservatorium, Eleanor performed in masterclasses
for Steven Isserlis, Antonio Meneses and Alexander Baillie, and in 2007 she
was able to study intensively in Europe and the UK with Cellists such as
László Mezo (Bartok Quartet) and Michael Williams (Vienna Chamber
Orchestra) amongst others, with the support of a Reg Waite Award, an Ian
Potter Cultural Trust grant, a JB Seed Fund Grant and a Sydney Moss
Travelling Scholarship.

With her duo Strelitzia, Eleanor has given numerous recitals both in Canada
as part of the Toronto Summer Music Festival and in Australia for groups
such as the Killara, Roseville, Macarthur, East Killara, Lane Cove and
Wahroonga Music Associations and the Historic Houses Trust, while also
performing many solo Cello and chamber music lunchtime recitals for the
music programs of St. James’ and St Stephen’s in Sydney.

Eleanor performed during 2010 with the Australian Chamber Orchestra as
part of their Emerging Artist Program, and toured south Western Australia
with ACO2.

Lindsay Gilroy | Piano

Lindsay Gilroy received her Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours and the University Medal in 2004, and her Master of Music in 2008, both from
the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Before studying at the Sydney Conservatorium, Lindsay studied for many years with renowned teacher Neta Maughan, and in her early teens, she gained her AMEB Associate and Licentiate Diplomas with Distinction.
She was also awarded an Associate Diploma in Piano Performance from Trinity College, London.

She has had extensive experience as a soloist, having performed the Khachaturian Piano Concerto with the Kuring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra, as the Senior Winner of the Kuring-gai Concerto Competition in 2000, and, as a National Finalist in the Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards, Lindsay appeared twice with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, performing the Macdowell Piano Concerto No. 2 in 1999, and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in 2003.

Rosemary Tuck "Fantasie Fireworks"

2010-10-24T21:49:00.005+11:00

A Special Event for the Robertson Village Music Society.

Rosemary Tuck - World acclaimed Pianist
will give a special concert for the RVMS

Saturday November 6, at 5:00PM

Robert Goldsack has asked me to say that this is the only chance to see Rosemary in Australia as she is only here for a week to see her parents.
She has recently been on an Asian tour.

NEXT CONCERT – WEDNESDAY 25 AUGUST 2010

2010-08-07T20:20:00.005+10:00

NEXT CONCERT – WEDNESDAY 25 AUGUST 2010

2:00 PM

Christian Education Centre (Behind St John’s Church)

Meryla St, Robertson

Classical Trio Performance

Belinda Mainwaring – Cello

Gabriella Pusner – Grand Piano

Alexa Still – Flute

This trio will perform a selection of works for

Piano, Flute and Cello

by composers ranging from

Haydn, Schumann, Chopin, Suk, and Gershwin

AN INTERESTING AND VARIED SELECTION

OF DELIGHTFUL CHAMBER MUSIC IS ASSURED.

The Program is likely to be selected from the following pieces

1. Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano in G major Haydn

2. Three Pieces for Flute and Piano Schumann

3. Berceuse liadov
Improvisaton for Solo Piano Medtner

4. Polonaise Brillante for Cello and Piano Chopin

Interval

5. Soir d’automne for Flute, Cello and Piano Gaubert

6. Ballade and Serenade for Cello and Piano Suk

7. Nocturne in C# min arr. for Flute and Piano Chopin

8. Three Preludes for Solo Piano Gershwin

May 26, 2010 - Ilythian to perform in Robertson

2010-05-15T20:23:00.006+10:00

"Blooming Fantastic" is the headline for the next performance in Robertson of "Ilythian". As usual, the Robertson Village Music Society concert will be held in the St John's Anglican Church "Christian Education Centre" on Meryla St, Robertson (just 2 doors along from the Church.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 2:00pm.

The "Ilythian Ensemble" has performed here previously, in May last year. This time around, there is a slightly different line up of performers.

Chloe Charody is the composer in the Ensemble, but they will play works by Schubert, Debussy and Barber, as well as featuring a new work, "Elysium", by Chloe Charody.

Pianist Lindsay Gilroy will (again) perform for RVMS.along with Simone Easthope (Soprano).

To read more about the Ilythian Ensemble you may read an informative interview with Chloe Charody in "Musique Art" on line magazine.
There is also an interview with Simone Easthope in the same series and also one with Lindsay Gilroy.

Their full Program is as follows
(Click to enlarge image, to read details)

Flute and Guitar Concert 24 February 2010

2010-02-15T21:52:00.008+11:00

Our forthcoming Flute and Classical Guitar Concert programme for Wednesday, February 24th 2010 is as follows:

Venue:
Christian Education Centre, Meryla Street, Robertson at 2pm

Artists
Jocelyn Edey-Fazzone - Flute
Philip Moran - Guitar

W.A.Mozart (1756-1791) Sonata No 5 in C major K14 ***
(Allegro,Allegro,Minuets 1&2)

H.Villa-Lobos (1857-1959) Choros No 1

Schottish Choro (from Suite Populaire Bresilienne) solo guitar

H.Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasilieras No 5 (Aria)

J.S.Bach (1685-1750) Sonata No 4 in C major BWV 1033 *** (Andante/Presto,Allegro,Adagio,Meneut 1&2)

INTERVAL

J.Mouquet (1867-1946) Cinq Pieces Breves Op 39 ***

A.Piazzolla (1921-1992) Histoire du Tango (Bordel - 1900,Cafe - 1930)

Jorge Morel (b.1931) Danza Brasilera

Bustamente (arr.Morel) Misionera solo guitar

Anon. Spanish Love Song

S.Myers Cavatina ***

E. Desportes (arr.Almeida) Pastoralle Joyeuse

G.Faure (1845-1924) Sicilienne

J.Ibert (1890-1962) Entracte

Note: *** (arranged for flute & guitar by Phil Moran)

Biographies:
Jocelyn Edey-Fazzone - Flute
Jocelyn previously visited Robertson with "Windfall".

Jocelyn studied flute and piano at the Sydney Conservatorium. She continued her studies in Switzerland and the USA, and performed extensively overseas in solo, chamber and orchestral music. Within Australia, Jocelyn has worked with the AOBO, Tasmanian, Queensland and Sydney Symphony Orchestras. Jocelyn maintains a private teaching practice as well as teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium, Wesley Institute and SCEGGS Darlinghurst. Jocelyn is a senior AMEB examiner and a frequently invited adjudicator, accompanist and guest master class teacher around the country. She currently performs with guitarist Philip Moran, and as associate artist with flautist Janet Webb, with whom she has recently released the CD "Tango and All That Jazz". In 2004, 2007 and 2008, Jocelyn was awarded the AMEB Shield for achieving the top results in student exams in NSW.

Phil Moran - Guitar

Phil Moran is one of this country’s finest classical guitarists. He is known for his excellent solo guitar recitals and performances with orchestra, as well as collaborations with artists such as flutist Jane Rutter. Phil’s Christian faith also informs and enhances all his music making.

Phil Moran took up the guitar at the age of nine, studying with local teachers.

He commenced a Bachelor of Music at the Sydney Conservatorium in 1977, majoring in guitar with Gregory Pikler. Phil spent 1979/80 in London studying the guitar privately with Timothy Walker and at the Guildhall School of Music, and toured England as a musician with the London Contemporary Dance Theatre. He was a regular member of the Benelong Players and toured parts of Australia presenting chamber music to school children.

Phil undertook master classes with John Williams at the Victorian College of the Arts and won first prize in the Australian Guitar Competition in 1983. In the same year he completed his Bachelor of Music. Phil returned to England in 1984 to pursue further guitar studies with Carlos Bonell and Gordon Crosskey, and completed master classes with David Russell and Jose Tomas in Spain.

In 1985 he gave his debut solo recital at the Sydney Opera House, and performed Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with the Sydney Youth Orchestra under maestro Tommy Tycho. Phil has performed with artists such as Martin Lass, Jane Rutter and Deborah Byrne.

Over the past fourteen years Phil has been involved with Christian ministry as Head of Music at the Wesley Institute, a Christian Arts College, as Church Music Coordinator and as a Bible teacher. His love and talent for the classical guitar brought him back to the performance arena in 2002.

Currently Phil keeps up a busy schedule lecturing in music at the Wesley Institute, teaching guitar privately and freelancing as a musician in Sydney. Phil released his first solo CD ‘Spanish Inspiration’ in 2003 and toured NSW and QLD where the album has been well received. "Spanish Inspiration" has also been regularly programmed on ABC Classic FM.

In 2004 Phil appeared as guest soloist in the “Spirit of Spain” concert with the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic, and gave concerto performances with the Beecroft and the Eastern Sydney Chamber Orchestras. 2005 saw Phil give numerous solo recitals for music clubs including Shoalhaven, Hunters Hill & Wollongong.

Recently Phil successfully developed an educational guitar show which he has taken into schools. ‘The Guitar Through the Ages’ showcases Phil’s versatility on the instrument as he plays music from Baroque to Rock on classical, steel-string acoustic and electric guitars.

Phil is preparing and recording his second album. This will be a programme of Latin American guitar works and will include two new original compositions.

FREE DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE COURTESY OF PHIL'S WEBSITE:
Track 4: I Albeniz - Tango (arr. Moran) - Full track (3.9 MB) 2:57
(plays with Windows Media Player, and probably other standard computer programs)

Shakespeare and Beethoven met in Robertson

2009-12-21T21:04:00.008+11:00

As foreshadowed in the previous posting, Shakespeare and Beethoven met up most successfully in Robertson on Saturday, 19 December 2009.
They did so, under the guise of two great artistic interpreters, Pianist Prof. Gerard Willems, and Actor John Gregg.

The afternoon was blessed with comfortable weather (no rain), and we started out with pleasant servings of wine, fruit juices and hors d'oeuvres. There was an excellent attendance - the best for any of the RVMS performances so far. No doubt that was contributed to by the festive season, the timing of the event (on a Saturday afternoon), and the exceptionally high calibre of the artists.

People enjoyed the opportunity to mix together prior to the performance, as well as afterwards.

Gerard Willems performing in Robertson

The performance started out with Gerard Willems performing Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" (Op 27 No 2). That was balanced by John Gregg performing a soliloquy from the Merchant of Venice.

Their performances alternated with excerpts from Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata no 23, (Op 57), and Romeo and Juliet; The Tempest (Op 31, No. 2) matched with a reading from Shakespeare's "The Tempest".
Other Sonata excerpts played included the Pathetique (Sonata No 8 in C minor) Op. 13, matched more soliloquies from Hamlet and King Lear.

On several occasions, the readings led directly into a gentle accompaniment by the Piano, slowly ceding ground to the full-gusto performance by Gerard Willems. Personally I found those moments the most appealing.

John Gregg leads the entire audience in applauding Gerard Willems.

It was a great concert and reading, and was much appreciated by the attentive audience. The contribution of both artists was much appreciated.

We hope that a major contribution has now been made towards the purchase of the RVMS Kawai Grand Piano (featured on the Masthead of this Blog). Over 20 Keys were sponsored prior to the concert, and I am sure that a number of people in the audience filled out the necessary forms to "sponsor a key".

Robert Goldsack has arranged tax deductible status for these donations ($100 per key). Robert may be contacted via mobile phone on 0404 444 099, if you wish to sponsor a key. If you prefer, send me a message via the "Contributors" section of this Blog, and I will pass your message on to Robert.

"Sponsoring a Key" is a great way of contributing to the Village community, or indeed, it is an appropriate way of recognising the contribution which the Robertson Village Music Society has made to village life in Robertson.

By the way, I snapped up Middle C when Robert first proposed the idea.

Denis Wilson

"Shakespeare meets Beethoven"

2009-12-01T16:44:00.004+11:00

This month, on Saturday 19th the Robertson Village Music Society will host a special soiree performance by renowned Pianist Gerard Willems and leading Actor John Gregg. This will be a very special Christmas recital.

It is billed as: "A synthesis of words and music of two of the greatest creative characters - in their respective spheres - Beethoven and Shakespeare".

Bookings essential.
Please phone Robert Goldsack on 0404 444 099.

Seats are strictly limited.
A cocktail party will precede the performance.

EDIT:
Robert has advised me that the format of the evening will be as follows:
5pm till 6.15 Drinks and food,
6.30 till 8pm Concert.

If it is a nice evening we will have the drinks in the garden. If it is wet it will be inside.

Looking forward to seeing lots of people there.

*****

Click to read the "flier" in detail..Gerard Willems is an Associate Professor at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He is regarded as one of Australia’s finest concert pianists and leading Beethoven scholars.

John Gregg's extensive filmography is linked here (from IMDb).

November Concert - Wed. 25 Nov 09

2009-11-21T12:05:00.003+11:00

"Bach in the Dark"

Programme

Wednesday November 25th, 2009

2pm

at The Christian Education Centre

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

"Hamburger" Sonata in G major (H.564, Wq 133)

Allegretto – Rondo: Presto

Johann Sebastian Bach

Menuets I-II from the Anna Magdalena Notebook

(BWV Anh 114 and BWV Anh 115)

Johann Sebastian Bach

Invention 1 in C major (BWV 772)

Invention 2 in C minor (BWV 773)

MB Sibson - Invention

Johann Sebastian Bach

Invention 13 in A minor (BWV 784)

Elena Kats-Chernin (arr. Scott/ Sibson)

Re-Invention No.3

Elena Kats-Chernin (arr. Scott/ Sibson)

"Darkness in the Forest" (from the ballet "Wild Swans")

“Eliza Aria” (from the ballet "Wild Swans")

INTERVAL

Johann Sebastian Bach

Polonaise and Badinerie from the Orchestral Suite in B minor (BWV 1067)

Johann Sebastian Bach

Sonata for flute and continuo in E minor (BWV 1034)

Adagio ma non tanto – Allegro – Andante - Allegro

Heitor Villa-Lobos

"The Jet Whistle"

Allegro non troppo - Adagio – Vivo

Emile Pessard

Andalouse

****** ****** ******

Biographies

Rachel Scott – Cello

Rachel Scott studied with David Pereira in Canberra and Robert Cohen in London. She has played as a soloist and chamber musician in the United Kingdom, Serbia, Albania (she is pretty sure she’s the only cellist to have played Martin Wesley-Smith’s “Uluru Song” live on Albanian television), Finland, Hungary and Germany. She is now resident in Sydney and works in duos with some of Sydney’s best musicians - the pianist Rachel Valler, the guitarist Raffaele Agostino, the flautist Sally Walker and the soprano Nicole Thomson among others.

Rachel also teaches for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, working with underprivileged children, going into schools teaching music to children who have never had this experience before. She has written a series of radio programmes for the MBS network for children aged 5-8, and mentors music programmes in schools in both Darwin and rural NSW. Rachel has recently been invited to help set up the “Hadahur” music school just out of Dili, East Timor and now travels there twice a year, mentoring a school music programme, and an early childhood music programme. Although Timor has a rich musical tradition, these lessons are the first formal music classes since Indonesian occupation. She is also co-writing a radio series “Club Kangaroo” with Don Spencer, for children aged 3-5.

Upcoming projects for 2010 include the continuation of the “Bach in the Dark” concerts in the St James church crypt, a concert in the main woolshed in Hillston, central NSW, a chamber concert in the “cathedral cave” in the Jenolan Caves and performances at various music clubs in and around Sydney.

Rachel plays on an English cello, made in 1749, called Harold. More information on both her and Harold, and news of upcoming performances, can be found at her myspace site.

(www.myspace.com/rachelandharold)

Sally Walker - Flute

Flautist Sally Walker returned to Australia in 2006 after having been in Europe for 9 years where she was a member of the Cologne Chamber Orchestra and Principal Flute of the Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss before playing full-time with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. She has worked with conductors including Riccardo Chailly, Herbert Blomstedt, Gustavo Dudamel and has recorded and toured with the Berlin Philharmonic under Sir Simon Rattle with performances in the London Proms, the Lucerne and Salzburg Festivals. As Guest Principal, she has performed with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Norddeutscherundfunk Radio Philharmonie Hannover, Kammerakademie Potsdam and has played with Early Music ensembles such as: Das Neue Orchester Köln, the Leipzig Chamber Orchestra and the Neues Bachisches Collegium Leipzig.

Sally was finalist in the Leonardo de Lorenzo International Flute Competition in Italy, won 2nd Prize in the Friedrich Kuhlau International Flute Competition in Germany and was the recipient of the Ian Potter Foundation Cultural Award, the DAAD German Government Scholarship and the Queen's Trust Prize. She has performed as soloist with orchestras including the Klassische Philharmonie Bonn, Dortmund Philharmonic Orchestra and L'Accademia Filarmonica Verona and is deeply committed to chamber music. Recent highlights have been performing the Weber Trio with Cellist Steven Isserlis and Pianist Dènes Varjon, premiering new works by Nigel Butterley and Andrew Ford with Halcyon and being a guest in Rachel Scott’s inaugural “Bach in the Dark” series. Composers including Elena Kats-Chernin, Michael Askill, Knut Mueller, Coco Nelegatti and Mark Clement Pollard have composed for her.

“Sally Walker shone with a godly flexibility and colouring in her most soul-stirring tone formation …highly sensitive flute-playing and breathtaking musicicality“ Die Rheinpfalz

“Flautist Sally Walker is a young master of both the early wooden as well as the silver flute…atmospheric, fine musicianship balanced with effortless virtuosity” Hamburger Rundeschau

Songs of Love and Nature - October 2009

2009-10-25T09:36:00.001+11:00

The October concert of the Robertson Village Music Society was presented by Jenny Morgan (Soprano) and Jenny Duck-Cheong (Mezzo-Soprano) and John Martin (Pianist).They presented a delightful concert of "Songs of Love and Nature".

It was a mix of traditional "Art Songs" songs and "Lieder" as well as some more modern pieces. The (unfortunately) small audience was very appreciative of their fine repertoire and their beautifully balanced presentation.

The Pianist John Martin accompanied the singers and also gave us some very fine solo pieces.Study of John's hands

In accordance with tradition, the ladies were given a bouquet.
They then graced us with a lovely encore performance.
Robert Goldsack promoting the next concert

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

Scott Stiles and Elisabetta Calzavara - Special Concert in Robbo

2009-06-26T17:31:00.001+10:00

Special Concert – The Sonatas

Sunday 28^th June, 2009

2.30pm at the Christian Education Centre, behind St John's Church

Scott Stiles ..... Violin

Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra

Elisabetta Calzavara .....Piano

from Salzburg

Beethoven Sonata No.4 in A minor Op.23

Alfred Hill Scotch Sonata Op.6

Brahms Sonata No.1 in G major Op.78

Tickets: $30.00 /RVMS Members $24.00

As this is not a series concert and is on a Sunday afternoon, it is important to please phone Robert on 0404 444 099 to advise attendance; payment on day is quite acceptable.

The Ilythian Ensemble plays in Robertson

2009-05-30T20:40:00.004+10:00

The Ilythian Ensemble played for the Robertson Village Music Society on Wednesday 27 May 2009. They were playing a mixture of classical and new "romantic " music.

Their musical presentation was lovely. It was complemented by soft lighting provided by candles (unfortunately, posing a terrible problem for the RVMS photographer). Examining reviews of the playing of the Ilythian Ensemble, I had to wade through a mass of florid prose and superlatives. One detects the hand of an enthusiastic publicist in their "media". None the less, I cannot disagree with this Review: "This ensemble has definitely marked a turning point in the overall deliverance and perception of classical music."

What the reviewers are ignoring is the obvious - beautiful young performers, playing beautiful old music and some beautiful new music as well. Chloe Charody is a composer, who has written some lovely, fresh and personal music, inlcuding one piece inspired by the death of a young child.
An example of her music may be played from the group's "MySpace" site

Sonja Schebeck

Lindsay Gilroy

Chloe Charody (composer), Sonja Schebeck and Lindsay Gilroy
acknowledging the enthusiastic applause from the RVMS audience.

THE ILYTHIAN ENSEMBLE COMING TO ROBBO

2009-05-25T11:33:00.003+10:00

OUR NEXT CONCERT IS ON WEDNESDAY MAY 27th 2009
At 2.pm St John's New Hall, Robertson

The Ilythian Ensemble

Chloe Charody, Sonja Schebeck and Lindsay Gilroy

present

THE DIVINE ROMANTICS

Music by:-

J.S BACH, CLAUDE DEBUSSY, MASSENET, PAGANINI, RACHMANINOV

plus new compositions by the highly talented,

Chloe Charody

“The Ilythian Ensemble play some of the world's most romantic music” - W.L. Hoffman (Music Reviewer)

Special April Concert well received.

2009-04-17T11:30:00.003+10:00

This Autumn, the convenor of the Robertson Village Music Society, Robert Goldsack decided to host a special concert to foster the talents of a group of young musicians. Five musicians from the Canberra School of Music at the Australian National University came to Robertson and performed for us. Their concert was nicely varied, with guitar music, Schubert "lieder" songs, culminating with a series of Romantic (era) Piano pieces.

The afternoon performance started with BREW Guitar duo, who happen to have a very easy to remember web address (fortunately). Their first two pieces were recent compositions by Bradley Kunda (one of the BREW guitar duo members). Both were inspired by art pieces at the Australian National Gallery - one from the current Degas exhibition ("Little Dancer of the Gutter") and the second piece, "Waterlilies", which featured interesting "rippling" effects, inspired by one of Monet's pieces in the permanent collection of the ANG.

BREW Guitar Duo - Matthew Withers and Bradley Kunda

Josh McHugh then played one of his own compositions, prior to singing a familiar piece by Schubert, one of his famous "lieder" pieces. Josh was then joined by another young singer, also from Canberra, and they sang several pieces together. Their voices matched beautifully.

Josh McHugh - on the right.

Andrew Rumsey then entertained us with a wonderful series of Romantic piano solos. He gave a brief introduction prior to each piece, which was very informative.

Rachmaninoff - Prelude in C sharp Minor
Mendelssohn - Study in F Minor
Scriabin - EtudeOp. 2, No 1
Schubert - Impromptu in E Flat major
Faure - Andante Moderato Op. 84, No 5
Chopin - Fantaisie Impromptu

The ensemble then performed an especially adapted piece for Piano, two voices, and two guitars, which made for a very nice conclusion to the concert.The ensemble stands to receive the applause of the enthusiastic audience.

February 2009 Concert by "Continuo +"

2009-02-10T18:13:00.003+11:00

Here is the Program for the forthcoming RVMS Concert.

As usual it will be held at the
Robertson Christian Education Centre, (beside St John's Anglican Church),
Meryla St, Robertson.

Wednesday 25 February 2009
at 2:00pm

'Continuo +'
presents

Baroque Vignettes

Belinda Manwaring Baroque cello
Trish Mc Meekin Baroque cello
Valmai Coggins Baroque Violin, Viola
Chris Berensen Harpsichord

Canon for 2 Cellos by D. Gabrielli

Sonata for cello and BC in A minor by G.B. Bononcini
Andante, Allegro, Minuetto 1&2

Sonata for viola and BC in B flat by G. Telemann

Suite Quatrième pour le Clavecin by Johann Mattheson.
Allemande, Courante, Courante à la Françoise, Sarabande, Gique (sic), Menuet

Sonata No. 6 for Violin, cello and BC by J.B Boismortier
Largo, Allegro, Larghetto, Allegro

*******

Interval

*******

Sonata in C major for 2 cellos by L. Boccherini
Allegro, Largo, Allegro

Divertimento in A major for viola and 2 cellos by L. Hoffmann
Adagio, Allegro moderato, Minuet

'Vignettes'

Duo Op. 7 No.2 ... J.G.C Schetky
Theme ... J.M Raoul
Rondo ... J.B Breval
Air ... J.S Bach
Lesson 35 ... F.Cupis

'Aria' 'Mein glaubiges Herze'
from Cantata BWV 68
arranged for violin, solo cello and BC by J.S Bach

Performers:

Belinda Manwaring studied at the Sydney Conservatorium with distinguished cellist Lois Simpson and in 1982 was awarded a Queen Elizabeth 11, Silver Jubilee Award to study with Radu Aldulescu and Pierre Fournier in Switzerland. She also participated in master classes having lessons with Jacqueline Du Pre and William Pleeth, among others. She joined Camerata Lysy, and working with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra has shared the stage with the legendary superstars, Pavarotti, Dame Joan, Sir Charles Mackerras and Yehudi Menuhin.

This is a composite image - a study of Belinda's technique.
It is from her previous performance in Robertson in September with the Gabriella Ensemble.Patricia McMeekin studied cello at the Sydney Conservatorium with John Painter, and at the Adelaide Conservatorium with James Whitehead. She then spent 7 years as co-principal 'cello with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and 'cellist with the Brisbane String Quartet.
In 1982 she returned to Sydney, where she played with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony orchestra and the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra. Patricia subsequently spent 15 years in England, undertaking further study with Joan Dickson, playing in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras and performing as a freelance player with numerous regional orchestras including the English National Ballet and the Sinfonia of London.
As a teacher Patricia headed the String Department at Bryanston School in Dorset until returning to Australia in 1998. She continues to teach at Sydney Grammar School, Blue Mountains Grammar and the Central Coast Conservatorium, and playing in the Omni String Quartet, Concertante Ensemble and regular session work.
Patricia is exploring a passion for Baroque music, studying and performing the music of this period on original instruments. She has given a number of performances and plays regularly in a Duo with Belinda Manwaring. She is currently the resident cellist for the Sydneian Choir Bach Cantata project.

Valmai Coggins will be familiar to members of the RVMS from her performance here previously, as a Member of the Ironwood Chamber Ensemble.

Valmai studied at the Sydney Conservatorium and has performed with all the major Sydney orchestras as well as the Tasmanian and West Australian Symphony Orchestras. She was a permanent member of the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra from 1989 to 1994 but now combines freelance work with a successful private teaching studio. She performs and records regularly with the AOBO, Sinfonia Australis, Orchestra of the Antipodes, Pinchgut opera, Sydney Philharmonia, as well as taking part in many film and tv recordings. Recent chamber concerts include Salut Baroque, Ironwood, the Sydney Consort, the Michelangeli Ensemble and Charisma.

Here is Valmai, performing in a contemplative mood, at her previous visit to the RVMS with the "Ironwood Chamber Ensemble".
Chris Berensen is a freelance performer of early keyboard instruments and has recently completed a Masters degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under the supervision of Dr. Alan Maddox and Philip Swanton. Notable ensembles he has performed with include the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Salut! Baroque, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, and the New Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra of Cologne. His teachers include Dr. Neal Peres da Costa, and the composers Damien Ricketson and Simone East. He has also participated in masterclasses with such celebrated early music personalities as Jordi Savall, Lars Ulrik Mortensen, Wieland Kuijken, Eduardo Eguez, and Genevieve Lacey. Chris is also a composer, and was commissioned in 2008 by the Australian Viola da Gamba Society. Other highlights in the area of composition include performing his own harpsichord concerto as part of his Bachelor of Music (Hons. I), and winning a Musica Viva competition at age 15. Chris also has a keen interest in jazz and contemporary popular music, and plays the electric bass with his newly formed trio Lucid3, and the vibrant music ministry of St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Sydney.
.
.

The Muses Salon playing in Robertson

2008-12-16T19:42:00.011+11:00

The Robertson Village Music Society hosted a special performance of "The Muses Salon" on 10 December 2008. Of the various "Chamber Music" concerts hosted by the RVMS which I have attended, this was the most unusual, or should I say, with the least "familiar" music (to my ears). Not withstanding that, I really enjoyed this concert. The music was approachable, to the uninitiated, especially with the gentle and harmonious tones of the Viola da Gamba, and the Lute. One could certainly visualise this music being played in the intimate surroundings of a Salon, or at a dinner party in genteel society in Renaissance France.This trio takes its inspiration from the Renaissance traditions of the late 17th century. The vocalist, Anna Fraser, is a classically trained Soprano, who specialises in the early repertoire.
Laura Vaughan plays the 7-string bass viol (or "viola da gamba"). Her instrument was made by Henner Harders, of Mansfeld, Germany, in 2008, after Colichon, of Paris, in 1685. Laura explained that while it appears superficially similar to a cello, it is actually closer to a guitar, especially in the use of frets, to give defined notes. The Viol is also played with the bow held "upside down" (compared to modern bowing techniques on the Violin, for example), with the fingers touching the bow hairs, to allow the player greater control, while playing. This is explained in Wikipedia... "This is essential to allow the traditional playing technique in which the player tensions the bow hair with one or two fingers of the right hand between the hair and the bow stick in order to control articulation and inflection while playing.
"Perhaps the least familiar instrument is that played by Andrew Byrne, being the 14 string Theorbo, which is a member of the Lute family. This instrument was made by John Dale of Melbourne in 1989, after an instrument by Vendelia Tieffenbrucker, of Padova in 1611. This instrument has an extended neck, with an additional "peg box" for tuning of an additional 6 strings, which gives the instrument far greater bass range than normally possible on a conventionally stringed instrument. You may read an article by Andrew in the magazine "Salut! News!". He explains the important role of this instrument in the Renaissance, as follows: "As the only instrument capable of playing polyphony and chords with dynamics until the invention of the pianoforte, it was considered the jewel amongst instruments, second only to the human voice." Once he started playing the instrument, one could sense the natural resonances sympathetic to the human voice.Andrew Byrne is a local Southern Highlands resident, these days, and plays in various venues around the Highlands. Watch out for any performances by him - you will find it a very interesting event, well worth your while. You may listen to several selections of Andrew's playing by visiting his website.

Michelangeli Ensemble concert a great success

2008-12-01T22:04:00.008+11:00

The Michelangeli Ensemble (James Kortum, flute; Julia Ryder, cello; Verna Lee, harp) performed an extremely well received concert on Wednesday, 26 November. As usual with all the Chamber Music concerts of the Robertson Village Music Society, the concert was performed at the St John's Christian Education Centre, at Meryla Street, Robertson.
In excess of sixty people appreciated the range of items which these musicians played. It was a mixed program, ranging from a series of Sixteenth Century Lute pieces, (arranged by Dewey Owens), through to some American Folk tunes, also arranged by Owens. These were popular, familiar tunes, however, arranged in keeping with the style of Chamber Music. Indeed these pieces allowed Verna to demonstrate her virtuosity on the Harp, as Owens was himself a specialist Harp player, composer, and arranger of music for the Harp.

I would have to say I appreciated the notes which the Michelangeli Ensemble provided to accompany their performance. I found these notes very helpful, informative and interesting.

Julia Ryder, Cello; with Verna Lee on the Harp

Verna Lee demonstrating different techniques and playing positions on the Harp, as an introduction to the last set of American Folk tunes, arranged by Dewey Owens.

James Kortum, on Flute.

During the the interval Robert Goldsack made a few announcements about forthcoming events of the RVMS. He also mentioned the book which Robertson resident Philip Bailey had just published, "Yehudiana", based upon his years of work with Yehudi Menuhin. Copies of the book were available for purchase at this concert, in advance of the official launch of the book on Saturday 29 November. I obtained my own (signed) copy of Philip's book on the spot.

At the end of the Concert (after an Encore), Julia made an impromptu speech thanking the people of Robertson for their generous support and enthusiastic appreciation of the Ensemble's music.

November 26 Concert - Michelangeli Ensemble

2008-11-13T13:42:00.005+11:00

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.

RVMS "Springtime in Robertson" Concert - October 15, 2008

2008-09-16T01:37:00.003+10:00

Following on from Sally Walker's performance in the Gabriella Ensemble, at our August

concert we have invited her to return with Giuseppe Zangari to perform the concert which they played together at the Newcastle Conservatorium for ABC RADIO'S CLASSIC FM "Sunday Live" Sunday 7 September.

Sally Walker - Flautist -
performing in Robertson at the August Concert.

This concert will be the Robertson Village Music Society's
"Springtime in Robertson" concert.
It will be held a the Christian Education Centre, Meryla St, Robertson.
Wednesday October 15 at 2:30pm.

Two great performers for the special price of $20.00.

PROGRAM FOR THE OCTOBER CONCERT
SPRINGTIME IN ROBERTSON CONCERT.

Music from the Outback and Exotic

Sally Walker – Flute

Giuseppe Zangari - Guitar

All works are for Flute and Guitar except the Cambereri which is for Piccolo and Guitar

Jacques Ibert Entr'acte

Maurice Ravel Habanera

Philip Houghton From The Dreaming

Cave Painting

Wildflower

Gecko

Máximo Diego Pujol Pompeya, Palermo and San Telmo from Suite Buenos Aires

Cambereri arr.Zangari Capricciosa (Piccolo and Guitar)

Stanley Myers Cavatina

Astor Piazzolla

Bordel 1900,
Café 1930 and
Nightclub 1960 from Histoire du Tango

The Gabriella Ensemble played for RVMS

2008-09-02T14:25:00.005+10:00

A lovely concert was provided by the Gabriella Ensemble on Wednesday 27 August 2008, in Robertson.

The Ensemble is led by Gabriella Pusner, who is the Musical Director of the Robertson Village Music Society. She invited Belinda Mainwaring, a cellist, and Sally Walker, a flautist, to join with her for this Chamber Music recital. Their impressive biographies may be seen at the previous posting.

They started with the Bach Flute Sonata in E Minor - BWV 1034.
Belinda and Gabriella then played the Schumann Three Fantasy Pieces for Violoncello and Piano - Opus 73. This provided a study in the amazingly vigorous and fast fingering required by the Cellist.
Sally and Gabriella then played a lovely piece - the Hungarian Suite for Flute and Piano by Joncieres.
After the Interval, Robert Goldsack formally introduced the artists, and then made a few announcements about forthcoming concerts for the Robertson Village Music Society.
Gabriella and Belinda then played the Popular Spanish Suite for Violoncello and Piano by Manuel De Falla.
The final piece was by Weber - a Trio for Flute, Violoncello and Piano, in G Minor - Opus 63.

RVMS August Concert - the Gabriella Ensemble

2008-08-25T14:28:00.006+10:00

WEDNESDAY August 27th at 2:00pm.

OUR NEXT CONCERT

PROGRAMME FOR CHAMBER CONCERT

TO BE PERFORMED AT THE

ST. JOHN’S CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CENTRE, MERYLA ST., ROBERTSON.

MUSIC BY THE GABRIELLA ENSEMBLE

Gabriella Pusner, Piano; Belinda Manwaring, Cello; Sally Walker, Flute.

will combine to play a range of exciting music which will include:-

J.S. Bach.

Flute Sonata in E minor BWV 1034

1. Andante

2 Allegro

3 Andante con moto

4 Allegro moderato

Schumann

Three Fantasy Pieces for Violoncello and Piano Op 73

Joncieres

Hungarian Serenade for Flute and Piano

De Falla

Popular Spanish Suite for Violoncello and Piano

Weber

Trio for Flute, Violoncello and Piano in G minor Op 63

1. Allegro moderato

2. Allegro vivace

3. Shepherd’s Lament – Andante espressivo

4. Finale – Allegro

Gabriella Pusner

Gabriella Pusner is the Society’s Artistic Director and one of Australia’s leading Piano Soloists and Accompanists. Her musical collaborations have included high-profile recitals with noted internationally acclaimed flautists, William Bennett, Paul Edmund-Davies, Feliz Renggli and Alex Still. This is her second appearance for RVMS.

Belinda Manwaring studied at the Sydney Conservatorium with distinguished cellist Lois Simpson and in 1982 was awarded a Queen Elizabeth 11, Silver Jubilee Award to study with Radu Aldulescu and Pierre Fournier in Switzerland. She also participated in master classes having lessons with Jacqueline Du Pre and William Pleeth, among others. She joined Camerata Lysy, and working with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra has shared the stage with the legendary superstars, Pavarotti, Dame Joan, Sir Charles Mackerras and Yehudi Menuhin. RVMS has especially flown Belinda down from Brisbane to play on this day.

Sally Walker is amongst the finest flute players performing in Australia today. She returned to Australia in 2006, having spent the previous nine years in Europe where she performed with such high-profile Orchestras as the Cologne Chamber, Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss and the Leipzig Gewandhaus. Sally has performed as soloist on modern flute, baroque flute and piccolo and has worked with great conductors, Sir Simon Rattle, Herbert Blomstedt, Kurt Masur and Sir Roger Norrington. Sally has a great love for Chamber Music and this is her first visit to RVMS.

RVMS August Concert - The Gabriella Ensemble

2008-08-25T14:22:00.000+10:00

WEDNESDAY August 27th at 2:00pm.

OUR NEXT CONCERT

PROGRAMME FOR CHAMBER CONCERT

TO BE PERFORMED AT THE

ST. JOHN'S CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CENTRE, MERYLA ST., ROBERTSON.

MUSIC BY THE GABRIELLA ENSEMBLE

Gabriella Pusner, Piano; Belinda Manwaring, Cello; Sally Walker, Flute.

will combine to play a range of exciting music which will include composers:-

Bach - Vivaldi - Schubert - Schumann - De Falla

Also: Australian Composers: Sarah Hopkins and Elena Kats-Chernin

Gabriella Pusner is the Society's Artistic Director and one of Australia's leading

Piano Soloists and Accompanists. Her musical collaborations have included

high-profile recitals with noted internationally acclaimed flautists, William Bennett,

Paul Edmund-Davies, Feliz Renggli and Alex Still. This is her second appearance for

RVMS.

Belinda Manwaring studied at the Sydney Conservatorium with distinguished cellist

Lois Simpson and in 1982 was awarded a Queen Elizabeth 11, Silver Jubilee Award

to study with Radu Aldulescu and Pierre Fournier in Switzerland. She also participated in master classes having lessons with Jacqueline Du Pre and William Pleeth, among others. She joined Camerata Lysy, and working with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra has shared the stage with the legendary superstars, Pavarotti, Dame Joan, Sir Charles Mackerras and Yehudi Menuhin. RVMS has especially flown Belinda down from Brisbane to play on this day.

Kammerakademie Neuss and the Leipzig Gewandhaus. Sally has performed as soloist on modern flute, baroque flute and piccolo and has worked with great conductors, Sir Simon Rattle, Herbert Blomstedt, Kurt Masur and Sir Roger Norrington. Sally has a great love for Chamber Music and this is her first visit to RVMS.

Windfall! - play in Robertson

2008-05-28T23:48:00.014+10:00

The Chamber Music ensemble Windfall! today played in Robertson for the Robertson Village Music Society. As usual, the venue was the the Christian Education Centre associated with St John's Anglican Church, Robertson.
In front of an appreciative audience they played pieces by Gordon Jacob, Rossini, Faure, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Agay.

This was the third Chamber Music concert which I have photographed and reported on for the Robertson Village Music Society. I believe I enjoyed this concert more than any of the previous concerts, but perhaps that simply means I am becoming more familiar with Chamber Music. Anyway, I certainly enjoyed the music we were offered today, and I know I am not alone in that.

I would have to say that it is difficult for the audience when the ensemble plays an entirely different concert from that which was indicated in the published program. The various musicians did introduce each piece, with a few background notes on the music we were about to hear, and with some potted biographical notes on the composers. But I for one, find it difficult to understand these comments about the various movements being described, without the extra aid of written program notes.

Perhaps true musical aficionados just sit back and relax and enjoy the music, but I prefer to know a little about the music I am hearing. But, as I have stressed before on this Blog, I am not a musician, nor am I experienced in appreciating Chamber Music. So, kindly take these comments for what they are, my personal opinion.

The hall was decorated for the concert with Proteas
grown by Dr David Tranter, of Robertson

While researching this concert I was taken by this quote attributed to Gordon Jacob (the first composer whose work was played by Windfall! today):

"I think the question of communication is important, because one never wants to write down to an audience, but at the same time I personally feel repelled by the intellectual snobbery of some progressive artists... the day that melody is discarded altogether, you may as well pack up music..." — Gordon Jacob

I am sure that quote would confine both Mr Jacob and myself to the dustbin of modern musical critics - but that's OK with me, as I make no claim to such a profession.

On the other hand, Mr Jacob could defend his own opinion on the basis of his own standing as a composer and musicologist. "By the time Gordon Jacob died on 8 June 1984, aged 89, he had written over 700 pieces of music and several books." Source: Gordon Jacob - a Biographical Summary

Anyway, in keeping with Mr Jacob's philosophy, the music was indeed a melodious. The audience clearly enjoyed the performances and were generous in their expression of appreciation.

A study in concentration
Graham, Carol and John - during the concert today.

For the record, the program played today by Windfall! was as follows.

Jacob, Gordon: Sextet for Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon
1. Elegiac Prelude, 2. Scherzo, 3. Cortege, 4. Minuet and Trio, 5. Rondo and Epilogue

Rossini, Gioachino, Quartet No. 1 for flute, clarinet, bassoon and horn
Allegro moderato, Andante, Rondo

Fauré, Gabriel: Dolly Suite
Berceuse, Mi-a-ou, Kitty-Valse, Pas Espagnol.

~ Interval ~

Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai: Quintet in B-flat for piano, flute, clarinet, french horn, bassoon, 1876
Allegro con brio, Andante, Rondo

Agay, Denes: Five Easy Dances
Polka, Tango, Bolero, Waltz, Rumba

John playing the Bassoon

Individual photos of members of Windfall! - from today's concert, in Robertson:

Julia Brimo (Piano), with assistant.

Jocelyn Edey-Fazzone - Flute
Carol Coomber - Clarinet
John Cran - Bassoon
Telena Routh - Oboe
Graham Nichols - French Horn

Windfall! concluded their concert with the very bright and breezy (and familiar) Jamaican Rumba, by Arthur Benjamin. Apparently Arthur Benjamin was born in Australia in 1893, but left to live in England, (and for five years in Canada). He died in London in 1960. His popular Jamaican Rumba was a nice Encore piece.

It was a good end to a very interesting concert, which showed great variation in styles of music, even though played upon related wind instruments (and Piano).

"Windfall" - Robertson Concert on 28 May 2008

2008-05-22T16:11:00.003+10:00

Robertson Village Music Society

“Bringing Fine Music and Song to the Southern Highlands”

NEXT CONCERT - WEDNESDAY May 28th at 2pm

PROGRAMME FOR CHAMBER CONCERT TO BE PERFORMED AT THE ST. JOHN’S CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CENTRE, MERYLA ST., ROBERTSON.

WINDFALL

Windfall is a dynamic ensemble devoted to the performance of chamber music, with a special focus on works for wind quintet and winds with piano.

Windfall’s collected wealth of musical perception and experience promises audiences vibrant performances and challenging programmes, from the music of the baroque and classical eras through to the voices of the new millennium.

Carol Coomber Clarinet, Teléna Routh Oboe, John Cran Bassoon, Julia Brimo Piano, Jocelyn Edey-Fazzone Flute Graham Nichols French Horn
(Photo and details - with acknowledgment to the Windfall Website - linked below)

Learn more about "Windfall" by visiting their own website.

*************

Programme - as scheduled for the Robertson Village Music Society performance.

Farkas F: Early Hungarian Dances from the 17th century

Intrada, Lento, Shoulder-blade Dance, Chorea, Leaping Dance

Beethoven, L van: Quintet Op.71

Adagio/Allegro, Adagio, Menuetto, Rondo

Agay D: Five Easy Dances

Polka, Tango, Bolero, Waltz, Rumba

INTERVAL

Sullivan A: The Overture to Iolanthe

Rossini G: Quartet No 1 for Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon and Horn

Allegro moderato, Andante, Rondo

Faure G: Dolly Suite

Berceuse, Mi-a-ou, Le jardin de Dolly, Kitty-Valse, Tendresse, Pas Espagnol

Ironwood Chamber Ensemble play in Robertson

2008-02-29T23:04:00.004+11:00

This Blog Posting has been transcribed from my normal blog "The Nature of Robertson" to provide the background postings I have published for Robert Goldsack, in this new blog: "Robertson Village Music Society"

Originally posted on 29 February 2008 (republished 22 May 2008) on this new blog site.

Last week the "Ironwood Chamber Ensemble" performed in Robertson, to an appreciative audience of members of the Robertson Village Music Society.

As may be understood from their website (linked above) this group has a flexible membership and plays a selection of chamber music pieces appropriate to the artists and their favourite instruments.

Five members of the Ensemble came to Robertson on Wednesday. They were, from left to right, (as shown in the image above)

Rachael Beesley violin
Lisa Stewart violin
Daniel Yeadon cello (with back to camera)
Nicole Forsyth viola
Valmai Coggins viola

Naturally, their choice of repertoire for this particular membership of the Ensemble was works for Viola, Violin and Cello. The piece in which all five members of the Ensemble played together (above) was Mozart's Quintet in C minor (K 406).

Lisa and Nicole played Mozart's Duet for Violin and Viola in B (K 424)

Nicole and Valmai played Carl Stamitz's Duo for two violas, No 5 in D major.

Here is Valmai, pictured in reflective contemplation during the Stamitz piece.

The Robertson Village Music Society has as its aim "Bringing fine music and song to the Southern Highlands". Although the society is new, it is now into its second year's schedule of performances, I reported on their last Chamber Music concert, in November last year. Their next concert is scheduled for Wednesday 28 May 2008. The Society holds its performances in the new hall at the Christian Education Centre, Meryla Street, attached to St John's Anglican Church, Robertson.

Enquiries may be addressed to the General Manager, Robertson Village Music Society, Mr Robert Goldsack, by email at: ragoldsack@iprimus.com.au

Robertson Village Music Society - "Bellatrix"concert

2007-11-28T23:45:00.001+11:00

This Blog Posting has been transcribed from my normal blog "The Nature of Robertson" to provide the background postings I have published for Robert Goldsack, in this new blog: "Robertson Village Music Society"

Originally posted on 28 November 2007 (republished 22 May 2008) on this new blog site.

Today I attended a very pleasant Chamber Music concert, put on by the Robertson Village Music Society.
The concert started with performances by Bellatrix (a recorder quartet) The members of the group are Alana Blackburn, Laura Bell, Alicia Crossley, and Felicity Clark. They performed a range of pieces from the baroque to modern.

Here is an image of Laura, playing a Bass Recorder.

April Kelson and Jamie Pollock then performed a violin duo -
After an interval we heard Gabriella Pusner who performed Beethoven's Sonata in A Major for violin and piano (Op. 23), in conjunction with Jamie Pollock (on Violin).
Then Gabriella combined with April Kelson to perform Brahms' Sonata in D Minor for Violin and Piano (Op. 108).
I found the Beethoven familiar (at least in style), but I was quite taken by the Brahms piece with which I was not familiar.

Robert Goldsack is very pleased with the sound of the Kawai Grand Piano, which the Society has acquired.
The Robertson Village Music Society will host visiting concert performers four times a year, on the last Wednesday of February, May, August and November. Inquiries may be made to Robert Goldsack, of Meryla St.