Malvern Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Chorale Bring Classical Music to Life

Strategic Insights -

The Malvern Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Michael Loughlin, performed a somber program for its final concert of 1994, featuring two well-known pieces: Sibelius's The Swan of Tuonela and Copland's Quiet City. The orchestra's performance was respectful and engaging, with notable solo wind lines from Judith Easton's cor anglais and Robert Harry's trumpet. The concert also included a symphonic movement by Melbourne composer Julian Browning, which showcased the orchestra's ability to handle complex scoring. In contrast, the Melbourne Chorale, conducted by Graham Abbott, presented an all-Beethoven concert featuring the Fantasy Op.80 and the C major Mass. The chorale's performance was convincing and controlled, with notable highlights including Eric Raymond's solo in the Fantasy and the choir's excellent top section.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Malvern Symphony Orchestra performed Sibelius's The Swan of Tuonela and Copland's Quiet City as part of its final concert for 1994.
  • The orchestra's performance of Copland's Quiet City was notable for its solo wind lines, particularly from Judith Easton's cor anglais and Robert Harry's trumpet.
  • The concert featured a symphonic movement by Melbourne composer Julian Browning, which showcased the orchestra's ability to handle complex scoring.
  • The Melbourne Chorale's all-Beethoven concert featured the Fantasy Op.80 and the C major Mass, both written during the composer's life.
  • The chorale's performance of the Fantasy was notable for Eric Raymond's unflustered account of the piano part.
  • The choir also performed Beethoven's C major Mass, with notable highlights including the excellent top section and the orchestra's ability to handle the composer's active and sometimes problematic accompaniment.

Statistics:

  • 3 pieces were performed by the Malvern Symphony Orchestra in its final concert of 1994.
  • 1 symphonic movement by Melbourne composer Julian Browning was featured in the Malvern Symphony Orchestra's concert.
  • 2 works by Beethoven were performed by the Melbourne Chorale in its all-Beethoven concert: the Fantasy Op.80 and the C major Mass.
  • 5 solo singers participated in the Melbourne Chorale's performance of the C major Mass: Warwick Fyfe (bass), Roxane Hislop (mezzo), Michael Terry (tenor), Amanda Colliver (soprano), and Eric Raymond (piano).

Sources:

  • "Malvern Symphony Orchestra: conductor Michael Loughlin, cor anglais Judith Easton, trumpet Robert Harry" (The Age, [date missing])
  • "The Melbourne Chorale Sings Beethoven: piano Eric Raymond, soprano Amanda Colliver, mezzo Roxane Hislop, tenor Michael Terry, bass- baritone Warwick Fyfe, conductor Graham Abbott" (The Age, [date missing])
  • Jenny Zimmer's column will be published tomorrow (The Age, [date missing])