THE POWER OF TWO
Two pianos, two minds, infinite vision
Friday 9 NOVEMBER
(Two concerts only)AUSTRALIAN VIRTUOSI is the combined power of two outstanding Australian pianists, brother and sister, Michael Kieran Harvey and Bernadette Harvey-Balkus.
On Friday 9 November this critically acclaimed duo will perform
its (do we want to remind them there has been a concert and therefore coverage earlier this year?)second program in The Studio of the Sydney Opera House. These concerts will include two major premieres and a rarely performed work from an Australian composer and Olympic sportsman who was killed in World War 1.Continuing its commitment to promoting the works of talented Australian composers, AUSTRALIAN VIRTUOSI will give the world premiere of a new work written for the duo by one of Australia’s most “original musical thinkers” (SMH), Matthew Hindson, music by Jane Stanley, Laurence Wiffin, and a forgotten composer of early last century Frederick Kelly.
Kelly was an excellent pianist, composer and equally gifted sportsman (winning an Olympic gold medal for rowing in 1908 with the British eight) whose work remains largely unknown in his country of birth. His promising musical career was cut short in France in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme and it is only recently that his works have been rediscovered.
The duo will also give the first Australian performance of L’Envol d’Icare, a work by Russian composer, Igor
Markevitch, of which celebrated composer Darius Milhaud said: "this work... will probably mark a date in the evolution of music".Their first Studio series in 2000 was a sell-out success drawing praise from critics
Music-making (that) has immense energy but can also be
playful,
affectionate and graceful. A highlight of the year…
This concert was sensational: a spirited affirmation of
the quality
that Australian pianism has attained.
In 1999, their dazzling interpretation of Messiaen's Visions of the
Amen won AUSTRALIAN VIRTUOSI the entertainment industry's premier
accolade
- a Mo Award for Best Classical Performance of the Year.
Australian Virtuosi is rapidly becoming one of the finest duo-piano ensembles in the world. They will be
joined for this dynamic program of new works by two of Australia’s leading percussionists, Daryl Pratt and Philip South.
THE STUDIO, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Friday 9 November, 12 noon and 7pm
TICKETS: $30*/$25*/$15 students (1 teacher free with every 5 students)
BOOKINGS: 9250 7777 or
www.soh.nsw.gov.auINFORMATION: 9250 7111 or
www.soh.nsw.gov.au(*
Booking fees may apply. Including GST where applicable)
Media enquiries - Steven Godbee at Jenni Carbins Marketing
0408 706 099 sgpublicity@bigpond.com
