2014 Concerts

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
Paul Terracini | conductor
Ben Jacks | horn

 
RESPIGHI        Antiche danze ed arie – Suite No. 2
STRAUSS        Concerto for Horn No. 1
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV    Capriccio Espagnol
LISZT/DOPPLER        Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

This program celebrates the inspiration that composers draw from far and wide, and from long ago. Respighi’s suite recasts ancient themes for lute in his distinctively colourful orchestral style. The early music of Strauss, who wrote his first horn concerto before his twentieth birthday, reflects the classical influence of Schumann and Mendelssohn, as well as his family heritage: his father was a horn player. The virtuosity of Ben Jacks, Principal Horn with the Sydney Symphony, is sure to dazzle in this performance. Rimsky-Korsakov’s celebrated capriccio on Spanish folk melodies is a perennial favourite with audiences, while flautist-composer Franz Doppler’s version of a fiendish piano score by Liszt adds the richness of an orchestral sound palette, and is sure to set some toes tapping. 

Paul Terracini | conductor
Frank Celata | clarinet

Zoe Drummond | soprano
Charlotte Merz | mezzo-soprano
Damian Arnold | tenor
Daniel Nicholson | bass

Penrith City Choir, Academy Singers and Warrimoo Chorale | Lucy McAlary, DirectorHAYDN        Symphony No. 94, “Surprise”
MOZART        Clarinet Concerto
McCALLUM      Symphony
MOZART        Coronation Mass

Haydn denied suggestions that his symphony mit dem Paukenschlag (“with the kettledrum stroke“) was intended to awaken a slumbering audience; rather, he sought – with apparent success – to present a startlingly new effect to avoid being upstaged by one of his students. Mozart’s clarinet concerto, on the other hand, has few competitors in the popularity stakes. In the hands of Frank Celata, Associate Principal Clarinet with the Sydney Symphony, it will showcase the solo instrument’s ability to express delicate pathos and cheeky playfulness. The Coronation Mass acquired its nickname on account of its performance at several royal and imperial coronations in Vienna. Its rhythmic vigour, declamatory choral lines and exquisite writing for solo voices have ensured its enduring popularity. Alongside these Classical favourites, we present another in our series of works by young Australian composers: a newly commissioned Symphony by Daniel McCallum, a young Sydney composer now living and working in California.

Paul Terracini | conductor
Wendy Kong | violinBRAHMS   Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn (St Anthony Variations)
TCHAIKOVSKY    Violin Concerto
BEETHOVEN    Symphony No. 7

Brahms’s variations on the St Anthony Chorale are based on a hymn tune that he credited erroneously to Haydn. They display the composer’s deep affinity for the Classical tradition, his love of variation form, and a mastery of counterpoint that was unusual in the Romantic period. Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto, at once lyrical and virtuosic, is an aptheosis of the Romantic concerto. Talented young soloist Wendy Kong was named Conservatorium High School Outstanding Student of the Year in 2013, and is a rising talent to watch. Beethoven, the predominant musical figure in the transition from Classicism to Romanticism, considered his seventh symphony one of his best works. Its moods range widely from solemn reflection to joyful spontaneity and majestic spendour.

Paul Terracini | conductor
Paul Cosgrave | narrator
Brittanie Shipway | vocalist

Music occupies a special place in the world of the movies. Far from being a mere background element, great film scores add a non-verbal, non-visual dimension that brings characters and scenes to life, sets the dramatic mood and pace, and touches the viewer’s emotions. Great film composers are like alchemists, and their unique craft is a magical ingredient. From the earliest silent films through the Golden Age of Hollywood to today’s blockbusters, film without the expressive power of music is unimaginable. Penrith Symphony Orchestra invites you on a musical journey through movies old and new, including Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter, James Bond, The Magnificent Seven, The Mission, The Godfather, Batman, Titanic and more.

Paul Terracini | conductor
Catherine Terracini | Director

Jenny Liu as Bastienne, Joel Scott as Bastien and Andrew Williams as Colas,

with soprano Ayse Göknur Shanal and special guest, Opera Australia tenor Martin Buckingham.

The first half of this performance presents a staged production of one of Mozart’s earliest operatic works, Bastien et Bastienne.

Also featured in this performance are favourite arias and orchestral highlights from operas by Bellini (Norma), Mozart (The Marriage of Figaro), Gounod (Faust), Dvorák (Rusalka), Puccini (Tosca and La Bohème) and Leoncavallo (I Pagliacci).

George Ellis, conductor, as Mozart
Guy Noble as Beethoven

Watching the delight in children’s faces as they soak up the sounds of an engaging, interactive concert presentation is living proof that learning about classical music can be – and should be – fun!

With two performances designed for different age ranges, these concerts feature some of Mozart’s and Beethoven’s best-loved music. They provide children from toddlers to upper primary age with a wonderful, up-close-and-personal experience of orchestral music, and are a lively entertainment for all the family.

About Mozart Meets Beethoven: If Mozart and Beethoven were to meet, would they be friends or rivals? The on-stage antics between Mozart (George Ellis) and Beethoven (Guy Noble) will have your children laughing, singing, dancing, clapping and conducting along with the music. This engaging presentation is living proof that learning about classical music can be – and should be – fun! Only one question remains – whose side are you on?

Paul Terracini | conductor
Ayse Goknur Shanal | soprano
Anna McDougall | alto
Damian Arnold | tenor
Sepehr Irandoost | bass

Penrith City Choir & Academy Singers
Lucy McAlary | chorus director

Handel – Messiah