It was baroque with a bang and a beat when the Pacific Chamber Players (forgive this) “barocked” Cooroy Memorial Hall on Sunday.
The Sunshine Coast group presented 16th and 17th century music by composers like Vivaldi, Handel and Purcell played on instruments emanating from the same period and it was a foot-tapping afternoon for the enthusiastic audience.
The nine Players — Anna Moores and Cathie Roberts (violin), Andrew Paszkowski (viola), Anne Bowyer (cello), Nik Davey (bass), Sue Hunkin (oboe), Neil Heymink (bassoon), Warren Brewer (trumpet), Janet Brewer (harpsichord) promised a “Baroque Brilliance” concert and they delivered with a programme of seven concertos and sonatas.
Among them were Trio Sonata No 3 in Bb ZWV 181 by Czech composer Jan Zelenka, George Handel’s Overture to his opera “Atalanta” and Vivaldi’s Duet for Oboe and Bassoon RV545.
The contrast and interplay between the two soloists (Sue Hunkin and Neil Heymink) in this demanding work was a highlight.
Next year is the 25th anniversary of the Players starting up as a group whose aim was to bring quality chamber music to the Coast.
Through their concerts they contribute to Bloomhill Cancer Care in memory of founding member Deborah Tetley. They also support the new Coast opera group Trio Sole (Vanessa West soprano, Raffaele Pierno, tenor and Janet Brewer, piano) who this Sunday (December 7) are presenting their “Christmas Soiree” at Cooroy Memorial Hall starting at 3pm.
