Fine Music Magazine

From the Editor 

Excitement has been building around 2MBS-FM, especially in our Station Manager’s office, since the Sydney Symphony announced their plan to perform Mahler’s entire symphonic cycle over the next two seasons. It’s a timely project as this year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth, and 2011 commemorates the centenary of his death. ‘In Mahler everything is difficult, everything is unique’ says Sydney Symphony Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Vladimir Ashkenazy. In our cover story Mike Smith talks to him about these powerful works. Read more ...

 

Composer Christopher Gordon spent an amazing year on set while working on his score for 2009’s most successful Australian film, Mao’s Last Dancer, based on the extraordinary story of Chinese ballet dancer Li Cunxin. Christopher Gordon shares his experiences with Paolo Hooke.

Also in this issue, Julie Simonds remembers her long-time friend and colleague, distinguished Australian composer Richard Meale who died last November. To honour Richard’s life and contribution to music, a special memorial concert is organised for Sunday 14 February at 3pm at the Verbrugghen Hall. You’re welcome to attend.

Finally, thirty-five years ago, on 1 February 1975, while I was still learning my alphabet on the other side of the world, the first FM station in Australia, 2MBS-FM, was officially launched in Sydney. One of the founding Board members, Trevor Jarvie, still remembers how the tiny 15 watt transmitter had pride of place next to the refrigerator, donated by another Board member to keep the beer cold! Andrew Dziedzic talks to our pioneers and finds out how it all began. After 35 years 2MBS-FM’s strong volunteer culture remains unchanged and our fine music is now heard around the world.

Grow with us!

Ildikó

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