MAY
Songs My Mother Taught Me
Sirius Chamber Ensemble will present a special concert program dedicated to mothers. Each work performed explores different relationships experienced between mother and child. In Berceuse for clarinet, violin, cello and piano by Becky Llewellyn, we catch a glimpse of the unique bond between a mother and newborn child. Many compositions dedicated to mothers often express love but also grief, which is seen in works by Graeme Koehne and Johannes Brahms. Koehne’s Time is a River, written in 2010, is a moving tribute depicted by the melancholic sound of a clarinet drifting down a flowing river of a string quartet. A deeply personal composition, Brahms’ Horn Trio in E-flat major was written after the death of his mother in 1865. In this four-movement work Brahms portrays the different stages of mourning – not only grief and sadness – but as time inevitably passes, love and acceptance follows. Originally written for voice and piano in 1880, “Songs my mother taught me” by Antonin Dvorak has been transcribed for many instrumental combinations. One of the more popular songs from Dvorak’s Gypsy Songs and often recorded, will be performed by cello and piano as a short tribute to all who hold special childhood memories.
Program:
- Becky Llewellyn – Berceuse for clarinet, viola, cello and piano
- Antonin Dvorak – Songs my Mother Taught Me (arr.) for cello and piano
- Graeme Koehne – Time Is A River for clarinet and string quartet
- Johannes Brahms – Horn Trio in E-flat major, Op. 40 for horn, violin and piano
Performers: Ian Sykes (clarinet), Clare Kahn (cello), Benjamin Burton (piano), Lucy Carrigy-Ryan (viola), Vanessa Tammetta, Sonia Wilson and Angela Cassar (violins).
Guest horn soloist: Unfortunately and contrary to previously advertised, Michael Wray cannot perform this concert due to personal circumstances. Our guest performer is yet to be announced.
When: Saturday 12th May 2018, 6:00pm
Where: Christ Church, Lavender St, Lavender Bay.
Tickets: $30 Adults, $20 Concession, $10 Child – Available at www.trybooking.com/ULQX or at the door
JUNE
Meet the Composer
Our meet the composer concerts have become increasingly popular. In June, we have the absolute pleasure of inviting Melbourne-based composers, Eve Duncan and Dr Houston Dunleavy to discuss their work alongside performances of a selection of their compositions.
Program: to be announced later in the year
When: Saturday 23rd June 2018, 6:00pm
Where: Christ Church Lavender Bay
Tickets: $30 Adults, $20 Concession, $10 Child – Available at www.trybooking.com/ULQY or at the door
OCTOBER
The Elements
Sirius Chamber Ensemble presents an all-Australian program of music inspired by these Western elements of culture, accompanied by stunning images by Slovakian-born photographer Henrich Varga. The selection of compositions and photographs reflect the impressions that these four elements – seen throughout the unique Australian landscape – has influenced Australian contemporary composers and their music making.
- Graeme Koehne. Time is a River (2010) for clarinet and string quartet
- Andrew Schultz. In From Fire Country (2003) for solo bass clarinet
- Eve Duncan. Aer Turas (Air Journey) (2018) for flute, clarinet and cello
- Chris Wright. String Quartet (Premiere)
- Nigel Butterley. The Wind Stirs Gently (1992) for flute and cello.
- Gordon Kerry. Silver-Point (2000) for solo flute
Performers: Melissa Coleman (flute), Ian Sykes (clarinets), Clare Kahn (cello), Vanessa Tammetta, Dominique Guerbois (violins) and Lucy Carrigy-Ryan (viola).
When: Sunday 21 October 2018, 2:00 pm
Where: Annandale Creative Arts Centre, 81 Johnston St, Annandale.
Tickets: $20 Adults, $15 Concession, $10 Children – Available at www.trybooking.com or at the door.
NOVEMBER
Spike Mason – CD Launch ‘FLYING’
In 2017, Sirius Chamber Ensemble collaborated with jazz musician and composer, Spike Mason. With original music, written by Spike, based on the poem “Flying” by Tasmanian writer Di Adams. Spike has written 9 pieces, which follows the journey of an individual who discovers they can fly. Performed by Spike Mason (saxophone), Melissa Coleman (flute), Alex Fontaine (oboe), Ian Sykes (clarinet), Dr Alison Evans (bassoon), Gareth Lewis (trombone), Vanessa Tammetta (violin), Luke Spicer (viola), Steve Meyer (cello) and Claire Howard Race (piano). Sound Engineer: Ross A’hern.
We are delighted to be launching the CD on Friday 2nd November, 8.00 pm at The Coote Theatre, Scots College, Bellevue Hill.
Tickets: $30 Available at the door.
For enquiries email: sirius.ensemble@gmail.com
