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24th Melbourne International Festival of Organ and Harpsichord: A Celebration of Classical Music

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The 24th Melbourne International Festival of Organ and Harpsichord showcased a diverse range of classical music performances, highlighting the talents of visiting artists and local musicians. One of the notable aspects of this year's festival was the prominence of French music programs, led by chief visiting artist Olivier Latry, who delivered several captivating performances. The festival also featured a mix of traditional organ and harpsichord music, as well as more unusual events, such as a recital of French Baroque music and a performance of Monteverdi's "A Chronicle of Love".

Key Takeaways:

  • Olivier Latry, the festival's chief visiting artist, dominated the program with his French music performances, which included works by Nicolas de Grigny and Messiaen.
  • Latry's delivery was characterized as "sprightly, virtuosic, and intriguing" on the Ahrend instrument at Monash University, producing a broad range of colors and highlighting the instrument's reed-rich qualities.
  • Sunday's opening concert featured an all-German affair, with Anthony Jennings performing Handel's organ concerto in G, Op. 4 No. 1, and later moving to harpsichord for Bach's D major concerto.
  • Jennings' playing was praised for its "deft and polished" quality, particularly in the deceptively easy-sounding Handel concerto.
  • Monday's "Sound the Trumpet" twilight recital at St Mary's in North Melbourne was a pleasant and accomplished performance by soprano Tessa Miller, tenor Simon Biazeck, and lute player John Griffiths.
  • Olivier Latry's recital on Tuesday night at St Patrick's Cathedral featured a restrained and refreshing approach to Franck's "Priere" and "Final", as well as a captivating performance of a movement from Messiaen's "Livre du Saint-Sacrement".
  • The festival also included a number of other notable performances, including Antony Jennings' sterling reading of the Bach English suites, which were recorded and broadcast on ABC-FM, and Dutch fortepianist Bart van Oort's riveting all-Beethoven recital in Melba Hall.

Statistics:

  • 24th Melbourne International Festival of Organ and Harpsichord took place from Sunday, 3 April to Saturday, 9 April.
  • Olivier Latry performed on eight dates during the festival, including a recital at St Patrick's Cathedral on Tuesday night.
  • Anthony Jennings performed on three dates, including the opening concert on Sunday and a reading of the Bach English suites on Wednesday.
  • The festival featured a range of international artists, including Olivier Latry (France), Antony Jennings (Australia), and Bart van Oort (Netherlands).
  • The festival also included a number of local Australian musicians, including Genevieve Lacey, Lucinda Moon, and Tessa Miller.

Sources:

  • "24th Melbourne International Festival of Organ and Harpsichord" by Clive O'Connell, The Age, [no date specified]
  • "Olivier Latry" by [no author specified], [no publication specified] [no date specified]
  • "Antony Jennings" by [no author specified], [no publication specified] [no date specified]
  • "Bart van Oort" by [no author specified], [no publication specified] [no date specified]

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