Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

Notice from the organisers:

In response to the ban imposed by the Victorian State Government, we regret that this performance will not proceed.

Featuring

Melbourne Ensemble 2020 Ensemble in Residence:

Freya Franzen violin
Christopher Cartlidge viola
Rachael Tobin cello
Stephen Newton double bass
Jack Schiller bassoon
Philip Arkinstall clarinet
Saul Lewis horn
with
Deborah Cheetham soprano

Program

Adolphe Blanc Septet
Deborah Cheetham Woven song: Above Knowing – Composer in Residence, MSO Commission and World Premiere
Dohnányi String Trio

Music that champions the unsung heroes.

MSO Composer in Residence Deborah Cheetham joins a stunning septet of Melbourne musicians for a world premiere, in a concert that celebrates those outside the spotlight.

In the 19th century, when French composition was at its height – dominated by the likes of Berlioz and Bizet – one name that went largely unrecognised was that of Adolphe Blanc. Despite his rich and highly accomplished output, his chamber works composed for private performances kept him out of the public eye.

One of these works is his Septet in E Major. The Septet was not a common combination of instruments for Romantic composers, there was no clear successor to Beethoven’s famous Op.20 Septet, until Blanc’s in 1861. With excellent part-writing for violin, viola, cello, bass, clarinet, horn and bassoon, the Melbourne Ensemble will give this piece the performance it deserves.

Above Knowing is part of MSO’s Composer in Residence Deborah Cheetham’s Woven Song series. The works are inspired by tapestries by Indigenous artists, which are hung in Australian embassies around the world. She joins the ensemble in her role as a soprano, in this world premiere of her own composition.

The third work is a string trio by Hungarian composer Ernő Dohnányi, written the year his son Hans – who was eventually executed for numerous attempts on Hitler’s life – was born.

This is a concert that peers behind private curtains and brings unsung masters into view.

Featured non-Australian music: Adolphe Blanc, Dohnányi

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website or by phone on (03) 9929 9600