Two world classical music premiers and three world-class soloists: Warwick Adeney (violin and viola), Janet Brewer (piano) and Sacha Gibbs-McPhee (clarinet) are set to ‘rock’ Cooroy and Noosa when Noosa Orchestra & Ensembles present: Old, New, Timeless.
Rising composer and Noosa Orchestra vcellist Imogen Ferdinando is set to debut her original composition, Stormbird, which musically depicts the rise and fall of a typical Coast storm. Stormbird was commissioned by Noosa Orchestra.
In a daring move, conductor Antoni Bonetti has taken the bone-chilling cello part from Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and handed it to internationally acclaimed local clarinettist Sacha Gibbs-McPhee, founder of Noosa Chamber Music.
“Sacha is a technically and musically brilliant clarinettist always looking for a challenge,” Bonetti said.
“So I arranged the vcello part to be excellently played on the bass clarinet. Traditionally the bass clarinet is an accompanying instrument, but my arrangement and Sacha’s playing will change that thinking.”
Gibbs-McPhee describes Beethoven’s concerto as “bold, noble and powerful”.
The orchestra begins by establishing a lively, grand mood, then the three soloists – violin (Warwick Adeney), clarinet (Sacha Gibbs-McPhee), piano (Janet Brewer) – join the orchestra with the violin and clarinet initially sharing the melody, while the piano plays a more supportive musical role.
“Audience members are probably aware of the necessity to take breaths occasionally when playing a wind instrument, but this is only the beginning of the difficulties that lie within the score,” Gibbs-McPhee said.
“Doubtless, such an alteration has never been tried before. All the more reason to enjoy the spectacle.”
Former concertmaster Queensland Symphony Orchestra, (violinist) Warwick Adeney said, “I have a big soft spot for Beethoven’s Triple Concerto; I find it both exciting and beautiful, and the interplay of the solo parts is exquisite.”
Janet Brewer, a talented pianist and soloist (since 2005) with Brisbane’s Pacific Chamber Players, said, “For me, there is a very regal nature and deep spirituality in Beethoven’s music. I enjoy bringing these aspects the audience as well as working with such special musicians as Warwick Adeney and Sacha Gibbs-McPhee… the audience will enjoy the energy and musical interaction between us and the orchestra”.
The audience will also delight in German composer Max Bruch’s (1838-1920) Concerto for Violin and Clarinet, played by Adeney on viola and Gibbs-McPhee on clarinet.
“The double concerto is among the composer’s most tender and calming works,” Gibbs-McPhee said.
“Rather than competing, the two soloists gently dovetail and interweave through lush melodies. There are no flourishes for the sake of virtuosity alone, but rather bursts of passion and elegance that gently flow along with the ensemble.”
Noosa Orchestra will round off the concert with a flourish: Phillip Lord’s Celtic Suite (Glenorchy Fair, Tartan), music which is inspired by Scottish highland dance.
Event details
What: Noosa Orchestra & Ensembles presents: Old, New, Timeless with soloists Warwick Adeney, Janet Brewer and Sacha Gibbs-McPhee
When: 2.30pm Saturday 22 March (Cooroy) & 2.30pm Sunday 23 March 23 (Noosaville)
Where: Cooroy Memorial Hall | Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hall (Noosaville)
Tickets: Adults $40 | Students (18+) $15 | school age $10 trybooking.com (plus booking fee) or $45 at the door (cash only).
Tickets on sale now trybooking.com
