April 2011

From The Editor

A performer strutting about the stage in the manner of a stylised peacock … I’d love to see that! I’m referring to Swedish clarinettist Martin Fröst who joins the Australian Chamber Orchestra in May for its third national tour. Peacock Tales was composed for Fröst by fellow Swede Anders Hillborg. Previous performance footage of this piece has already gone viral! The ACO will be playing the string orchestra version but it will still include the choreography. So, don’t miss it. In our cover story Simon Moore chats with Martin Fröst about music and taking a forward direction Read more ...

Described as the ‘real stars’ of the 2010 opening night of the BBC Proms, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs returned from London with great reviews. This month, the 2011 season starts with the Symphony Chorus and the Chamber Singers performing JS Bach’s St John Passion. ‘The great thing about doing this is that the choir just gets better at singing Bach, who is probably one of the hardest vocal writers to conquer,’ says artistic and musical director Brett Weymark. Kalvin Ng talks to Weymark about this passionate Easter work and other season favourites.

More exceptional voices and more Bach … The Song Company opens its 2011 season with Bach to Bach, featuring songs, chorales and preludes from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena. Joining the Company for the concert are harpsichordist Neal Peres Da Costa and cellist Daniel Yeadon. Robert Clark finds out more about exploring new ideas from artistic director Roland Peelman.

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Sydney Classical Guitar Society. Curator of the anniversary celebrations, Janet Agostino tells Sue McCreadie how Sydney has developed a vibrant classical guitar scene over the last two decades.

As part of the celebrations Dan Sharkey presents Fast Forward showcasing Sydney’s talented young guitarists on Sunday 1 May at 7pm on 2MBS-FM 102.5.

Tune in and celebrate!

Ildikó