Art Song Canberra, “Fairy Tales from Home”. Susannah Lawergren (soprano) with Maciej Pawela (piano). Photo: Peter Hislop.
“Fairy Tales From Home”, Susannah Lawergren, soprano, Maciej Pawela, piano, Art Song Canberra, Wesley Music Centre, May 23. Reviewed by
LEN POWER.
IN a program alive with atmosphere, soprano Susannah Lawergren and pianist Maciej Pawela presented songs by four very different composers under the title “Fairy Tales From Home”.
Lawergren explained at the beginning of the concert that the songs could be seen as metaphors for aspects of the natural world – sky, sea, animal and bird life, seasons and the moon and stars.
Commencing with “Mirlwa” (sky) by Australia’s First Nations composer, Brenda Gifford, the soprano started this journey through nature with soaring and sustained high notes that seemed effortlessly sung. It was the perfect opening for the concert and a taste of what was to follow.