Fine Music Magazine

From the Editor 

‘It feels like the last strain of matter is disappearing in the universe.’ Vladimir Ashkenazy tells of a conversation he had with a viola player from the London Philharmonia Orchestra about Mahler’s Ninth. The Sydney Symphony’s two-year Mahler Odyssey is now nearing its completion. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mahler's death (18 May 1911), the orchestra performs Symphony no 9 and Ashkenazy hopes the public will be ready for it. In our cover story David Garrett talks to the Sydney Symphony’s Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor. Read more...

Another bold project is the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s 101 Compositions for 100 years, initiated a couple of years ago by the Dean and Principal, Professor Kim Walker. A hundred and one new compositions have been commissioned, to be presented over a seven year period leading up to the centenary celebrations in 2015. This month you can hear the world premiere of a 101 work by Michael Nyman, the Con's International Marquee Composer for 2011..

It’s a wish for some … but if you’re free on Wednesdays at lunchtime, pop into St James’ King Street and enjoy the free half-hour concerts with local and overseas musicians. The ministry of music has long been a most important aspect of the life of St James’ and this year they have launched a series of five subscription concerts, featuring the Choir of St James’. Fine Music finds out more about the music program from Warren Trevelyan-Jones, Head of Music.

Finally, a harp concert in the Antarctic, thanks to renowned harp soloist Alice Giles who recently travelled there to perform and record a special celebration of the centenary of the first Australasian Antarctic expedition from 1911-1914. Di Campisi chats with her.

So, how do you play when your fingers are icy?

Ildikó