“Every cloud has a silver lining” is a popular sentiment we draw on to give us solace in times of trouble. With the war in Ukraine raging, out-of-control inflation and rising interest rates, we could all do with some winter cheer.
Inspired by the “silver linings” maxim, Noosa Orchestra’s 2023 winter concert series theme is: Despite disappointment and despair, great music can follow.
Feel buoyed by Beethoven’s Eroica, 3rd Symphony, 1st Movement and Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien; get swept up in the drama of C.P.E Bach’s Symphony in D major; delight in the lyricism of Ferdinand David’s Concertina Trombone before the final upswing of contemporary Japanese composer Toru Minegishi’s Legend of Zelda.
Conductor maestro Antoni Bonetti said the concert’s principal masterpieces by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky were created from disappointments or personal disaster.
“Beethoven had written his 3rd Symphony and was to dedicate it to Napoleon, the liberator. But after realising that conquest was Napoleon’s real goal, he tore up his dedication. Fortunately we can still enjoy this trailblazing masterpiece today,” Bonetti said.
“And Tchaikovsky holidayed in Italy after the failure of his disastrous marriage and then produced one of his greatest and colourful works, so surely it’s true that every cloud has a silver lining.”
Trombone soloist Clayton Fiander will play a delicately beautiful concerto written for the trombone by Century 19th German composer Ferdinand David.
Fiander describes the piece as “nice, melodic, polite music”.
“People think of the trombone as big and brash, loud and jazzy, but this is simply lovely, lyrical music. It’s not a showstopper, it’s a more romantic piece.”
Fiander started playing the euphonium in high school and then joined the army as an apprentice musician. He played trombone in the Australian Army for 22 years before being medically discharged due to a back injury.
Fiander then undertook a Classical Performance Degree at ANU and completed his Honours year at the University of Newcastle under the tutelage of Sydney Symphony’s bass trombone player, Chris Harris.
Fiander’s trombone-playing career spans 40 years and includes four seasons playing for operas and the ballet at the Sydney Opera House; a 20-year stint with Canberra Symphony Orchestra and more recently with Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.
The sessional musician and Coast resident also conducts the Sunshine Coast Concert Band and regularly plays concerts with Noosa Orchestra.
Two years ago, Fiander had a sizeable basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) removed from his bottom lip. He said it “took a while” to start playing the trombone again and Noosa Orchestra’s winter concert series will be his first outing as a soloist since the procedure.
“If I hadn’t nicked myself shaving, and seen my GP because the wound wouldn’t heal, I might not be here today,” Fiander said.
“Perhaps the honour of playing the trombone solo to Coast audiences is the silver lining in my cancer scare.”
To hear Fiander’s beautiful trombone solo and other great music by Noosa Orchestra and Ensemble book online now eventbrite.com
What: Noosa Orchestra’s winter concert: Silver Linings with trombone soloist Clayton Fiander
When: Sunday August 20 (Cooroy) and Sunday August 27 (Noosaville) starts 2.30pm
Where: Cooroy Memorial Hall, 23 Maple Street and Noosaville: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hall, 115 Eumundi Rd
Tickets: Adults $29 | Students (18-) $10 (plus booking fee) eventbrite.com or $35 | $15 at the door unless sold out.
