December 2008

Balance is a constant struggle in my life and I only have to worry about my rowdy Quartet at home … Imagine balancing full orchestra, balancing a repertoire across a number of years, balancing what audiences love to hear and what they might be challenged to hear and so on. In our cover story Paolo Hooke asks Sydney Symphony Managing Director Rory Jeffes what’s their secret to a good season. Read more ...

This month popular Sydney band The Whitlams once again swap the pub for the concert hall. Julie Simonds chats with lead singer Tim Freedman about the band’s latest collaboration with the Sydney Symphony.

From 18 to 20 December Christmas at the House returns for the fifth time. Presented in conjunction with Opera Australia, these concerts boast a star-studded line up of some of Opera Australia’s greats and feature a mix of arias, show tunes, classical Christmas songs and more. Fine Music talks to Australia’s best-loved soprano Yvonne Kenny who is home for Christmas at the House.

Also in this issue … Chris Ruhle catches up with Eamon Dilworth, one of the new generation of talented jazz musicians. Eamon has been playing the trumpet since the age of eight and is about to launch a new album with his band The Dilworths for Jazzgroove Records. Read more ...

Finally, thank you for your feedback and letters. Fine Music couldn’t grow without your on-going support. In 2010 the Fine Music team will continue to bring you program highlights, CD reviews, feature articles and interviews with performers from our treasured local music community and visiting international artists.

All good wishes to you for the holiday season.

Off to sing my carols now …

Ildikó