Sibelius

Hugh Robertson dispels the myth of the lone composer-genius in conversation with international composer Leah Curtis (a Canberra export) and Connor D’Netto, whose influences span classical, opera, electronic and pop sounds.

Markiyan Melnychenko reflects on the nuances of Sibelius’ D minor violin concerto and his own musical journey in conversation with Jessica Cottis.

“Richard Meale’s ‘Coruscations’ is a cult favourite among Australian pianists. I’ve lost count of how many effusive conversations I’ve had with fellow Meale enthusiasts about this scintillating and elusive tour de force.”

“The Sibelius Violin Concerto is always a favourite. It’s an evocative journey through the icy Finnish landscape, with the lone voice of the violin weaving in and out of the brooding orchestral timbres below.”

The mainstage is our epicentre, where a hundred voices move as one to delight, inspire, soothe and uplift. Join us with open hearts for the big human stories: revolution, loss, redemption and connection.

“As I listen to the music and write these notes, I’m sitting outside on my deck, absorbing the sights and sounds of this lush springtime amongst rural bliss. The garden is flourishing and fragrant, wildlife abounds and the boronia and roses form a beautiful foreground to the mountains in the distance.” – Leanne Bear, CSO Violin

“Good music should go beyond just sounding beautiful. The pieces in this mixtape elicit memories, inspire me to be a better person, or just feel so real I can nearly feel the notes! Many of these works were inspired by stories or historical events. Others elicit personal, visual landscapes associated with particular memories from when I first heard them. My hope is that these pieces help you to find time to recall and enjoy past memories, or find new inspiration in your future endeavours.”

“Marked with the words ‘Slow. Calm. Deeply felt,’ the Adagio of Mahler’s third symphony seems to exist outside of any conscious acknowledgement of temporality. Starting with one of the most wondrous of prayers, it’s a tour de force of tectonically slow and sustained playing from start to finish. So intense it almost physically hurts, until the brass emerge with their glorious and noble chorale.”

“Everyone has those moments that seem to freeze time, all-consuming moments of our lives that live like YouTube links in our minds. We are shaped by them, stories told time and time again. They never change, preserved for life by the emotional print they forged in us.” – Doreen Cumming, CSO Principal Second Violin

“Grab your favourite choice of beverage, gaze at a beautiful view and enjoy this eclectic playlist of music worth exploring.” – Freyja Meany, CSO Viola