Music / Konstantin Shamray, Musica Viva. At Llewellyn Hall, April 29. Reviewed by
CLINTON WHITE.
Despite his big hands, the Russian-born and trained, Adelaide-based pianist, Konstantin Shamray has an exceptional gentleness and fluidity when he plays the piano. His respect for the piano is palpable. It is almost as though the piano reciprocates that respect.
Appearing with the strings, 19 in number, of the Australian National Academy of Music Orchestra, led by Sophie Rowell, concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and ANAM’s Head of Chamber Music – Strings, Shamray performed two very contrasting works.
Gustav Mahler began, but never completed, his “Piano Quartet in A Minor” as a student in Vienna. Even though only the first movement was completed, it did get its premiere in 1876. But then Mahler lost interest in it and it was not re-discovered until the 1960s, more than 50 years after his death.
Friday 30th April / presented by Danae Gibson
Last weekend’s snap lockdown threw a spanner in the works of many event planners in Perth. From wedding to wakes, and all the gigs in between, folks like Fiona Campbell, the WA State Manager of Musica Viva, have been working diligently behind the scenes to bring their plans to fruition.
Later today, Music Viva will confirm if the concert planned for Wednesday - the program featuring Konstantin Shamray, the Australian National Academy of Music Orchestra and led by Director and violinist Sophie Rowell - will go ahead.