News Release:
Third City of the Arts celebrates the Great German Song Tradition
| 27/1/04 011/04 Armidale's music calendar takes on a new dimension in 2004 with the introduction of a series of solo and ensemble performance opportunities for singers. February marks the launch of a Vocal Recital Series, organised by New England Music Teachers' Association (NEMTA Inc), to include recitals and workshops throughout the year. The Series includes another "first," with the organisation of "Liederfest," a festival celebrating the great German song tradition. This event is scheduled for the weekend of April 2-4 and coincides with Armidale's Autumn Festival. Festival Director, Dr. Greg McPhan says "There is widespread interest in "Liederfest" and it has the potential to attract musicians both statewide and nationally to come to Armidale. The longer term plan is to make "Liederfest" a three-year cycle of musical events, with a different aspect of Lieder performance highlighted each year. Ultimately, it is to be hoped that "Liederfest," and Armidale, will become widely associated with solo and ensemble singing of the rich repertoire available in this genre." The opening recital for "Liederfest" will be held on 2 April at 7 pm and will feature American born soprano Celina Lindsley, Stephen Bennett (Bass) and Renate Turrini (Pianinst). Workshops will be conducted throughout the weekend and there will be a Participant's Recital at the conclusion of the weekend. All sessions are open to the public. The organisers are delighted with the level of community support
and interest demonstrated so far. Generous support has been forthcoming
from Arts North West, Armidale Regional Tourism, QANTASLink and
UNE. |
Enormous honour has been brought to the Festival by the generous patronage of the great German Baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. His name represents the supreme interpretation internationally of this genre. The Vocal Series launch is to be held on February 7 at 7.30 pm at the Old Teachers' College, Armidale with a recital of works by composers whose names immediately associated with Lieder – Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms and Wolf. The evening's performances will include Schumann's exquisite Frauen Liebe und Leben song cycle. Eight local musicians are coming together for this concert: Samantha Cobcroft, Leanne Roobol, Jenny Warnock, Greg McPhan, Jenny McPhan, Richard Peter Maddox, Julee Andrews and Vic Bofinger. Tickets for this concert are $15/$10 concession and can be purchased either at the door or from Readers Companion, Beardy Street Mall, Armidale (67712544). For more information, contact Greg McPhan (67751312) or Julee Andrews (67712605). An event, such as "Liederfest," extends the range of musical opportunities which Armidale can offer and helps to reinforce its reputation as a regional cultural centre. A photograph is available for download |
