News Release:
International Performers Take to the Concert Platform at Inaugural Music Festival
| 17/3/04 051/04 Singers Celina Lindsley and Stephen Bennett together with pianist Renate Turrini will perform in the opening recital for Liederfest, Armidale's celebration of the great German song tradition. This concert, on April 2, begins a program of recitals and workshops for singers and pianists. It is the first time such an event has been held in New England and it coincides with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the University of New England – one of the major sponsors of the event. "This event has been organised because of its potential to provide singers with solo and ensemble opportunities to perform the rich repertoire available in this genre" Director, Greg McPhan said. Planned as an annual event, this year's focus is on Lieder with works presented representing the German song tradition – a fusion of poetry and music. Pianist Renate Turrini, who has studied in Warsaw and who has performed throughout the UK, summed up Lieder performance as a particularly intense experience. "Unlike performing solo, with Lieder you form a close bond with your partner in music and this makes for an exquisite performance." She added that " … the acknowledged master of the form is the 19th century composer Franz Schubert who, in his day, brought a unique perspective to song and words. His music is an absolute pleasure to perform."
|
Bass, Stephen Bennett agreed. "I have given many Lieder recitals and Schubert's works are amongst my favourite." Mr Bennett, whose extensive operatic career includes roles with Opera Australia, Scottish Opera, Opera New Zealand and the Pinchgut Opera company emphasised that Lieder was, however, exacting to perform. Other composers whose music will be featured during the opening recital for Liederfest include Brahms, Wolf, Strauss and Berg. Their significant contributions to the Lieder repertoire span the late part of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Liederfest is an initiative of the New England Music Teachers Association and will be held over the weekend of 2-4 April. In addition to the specific workshops for singers and pianists, participants will take part in sessions covering aspects of performance preparation, posture awareness and language culminating in a participants' recital to close the weekend. All sessions are open to the public. Tickets for the opening recital are $25 and $12.50 (concession) and are available at Readers Companion, The Mall, Armidale. Registration information can be obtained by visiting the NEMTA website at www.nemta.com.au and by contacting Greg McPhan on 67751312 or Julee Andrews on 67712605. |
