Music / “Patriot Games”, Selby and Friends. At Llewellyn Hall, May 14. Reviewed by
ROB KENNEDY
TRIOS from across the world filled with colour, the mystical, dance and a fervent nationalist stance were brought vividly to life by Selby and Friends in the Llewellyn Hall last night.
On stage were three old friends and veteran Australian artists, Kathryn Selby, piano; Dene Olding, violin and Julian Smiles, cello.
The concert began with music from one of Australia’s most prolific composers, Ross Edwards and his “Piano Trio”. In the opening allegretto, the cello plays a central role through tones that convey a deep sense of longing. While the playful violin accompanies, the piano rolls along and its spirit becomes grander as the music progresses.
Music / “Longing and Desire”, Canberra Symphony Orchestra, Llewellyn Hall, ANU, May 12. Reviewed by
ROB KENNEDY.
LONGING and desire as a theme permeates the art world, but in music, especially that of Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, it reaches its zenith.
It certainly did in this concert. Conducted by Jessica Cottis, the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) began with “Viridian” by Australian composer Richard Meale (1932-2009). This twisting mystical work floats high and drifts low. The orchestra had a palate of many colours, and not just green. Delicate solos seep out above the body of this composition.
It has thumping moments and introspective parts. The only section that has little to do is the percussion. It maintained a high-toned, edgy nature all the way through. And yes, it’s danceable. At least the Australian choreographer Graham Murphy thought so when in 1992 he set “Viridian” as a contemporary dance work. The CSO made a great show of this colour-filled
âUnder Pressureâ (David Bowie Tribute), 2017 Will and Garrett Huxley.
ITâLL be sequins, surrealism and sweet vibes in the National Portrait Gallery from 7-11pm on Friday, May 14, with inflatable sculptures, vocals, moves and colourful costumes by Victorian creative artists The Huxleys. As well, DJ Charlie Villas, Jazida, drag-man Guy Alias and performer Simone Page Jones will all be in action. Includes a peek at âAustralian Love Storiesâ, too. Bookings essential.
THE Headland Writers Festival, a new literature event in Tathra, NSW, has an extraordinary line-up of writers. Held across five days in various venues including the historic Tathra Wharf Museum, where actors will perform âTales From The Seaâ, it will feature workshops, performances, live music and conversations with authors. May 14-16. Book here.
Composer Paul Dean⦠âItâll be partly up to the mood of the listener as to whether they come out of it uplifted, questioning or depressed.â Photo: Trish Dean.
OVER the past year, a cloud of doom has hung over most peopleâs heads, and composer Paul Dean is no exception.
Deanâs new work, simply titled âSymphonyâ, is the commissioned centrepiece of three concerts by the Australian World Orchestra, playing under the baton of conductor Alexander Briger. It will see its world premiere at Llewellyn Hall in June, but Dean initially struggled to give it a positive slant.
Now the symphony is full of life and light, with the opening movement describing sunrise at his local park, as the birds, played by five of the wind players scattered throughout the hall, wake slowly but in full voice.
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