Some of history’s classical geniuses who happened to be women struggling to emerge from the shadows of their male companions, will be celebrated at a special concert at Lucas Parklands, Montville.
The unique event, simply titled ‘The Ladies’, will feature two rising young stars – New Zealand violinist Amalia Hall and South African pianist Berta Brozgul – in their only Australian appearance together.
“Both young ladies have vigorous international careers, and I am flattered they both agreed to join us at Lucas Parklands to perform at this unique and important commemoration,” said Ian Lucas, of Lucas Parklands.
The one-off concert will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 2pm. For performance and ticketing enquiries phone 0409623228.
Adding to the atmosphere, local jazz singer Imogen Outridge will perform on the deck from 1pm as guests arrive.
Amalia and Berta will perform music written by three unsung heroes of the romantic era, Clara Schumann, Lili Boulanger and Fanny Mendelssohn, who are today all considered to be ‘Great Ladies’ and genius composers.
“Clara Schumann, who was Robert Schumann’s wife, and Lili Boulangers, who at 19 was the first female winner of the prestigious Grand Prix de Rome cultural prize, and Fanny Mendelssohn, who performed in the shadows of her famous brother Felix, all struggled for musical recognition through their lives,” Mr Lucas said.
“Their struggle for recognition typifies what was the ‘male dominated culture of the day’.
“But Clara is today considered to be one the greatest female pianists of the era and certainly more accomplished than her famous husband Robert, and Lili Boulangers, who was a much-accomplished composer despite her young age and unfortunate early death, has also recently been more fully appreciated.
“Fanny Mendelssohn was almost certainly equally as brilliant, or even more so, than her famous brother Felix, who had apparently stated he hoped Fanny’s ‘composing didn’t interfere with her home duties’.
“Amalia and Berta are sure to remind us of the greatness of these historic figures when they bring their works to life at ‘The Ladies’ concert on July 12.”
The performance will include: Cesar Franck, Violin sonata (a piece the composer gifted to his wife on their wedding day); Lili Boulangers, Nocturne (violin and piano); Clara Schumann, Three Romances (violin and piano); Janacek, Violin Sonata; Ravel, Tzigane (violin and piano); Chopin, Ballade No. 4 (piano alone); and Scriabin, Sonata No. 4 (piano alone). A piece titled ‘March’ from Ms Mendelssohn’s group of works known as Das Jahr (The Year) will also punctuate the commemorations.
For Lucas Parklands performance and ticketing enquiries, phone 0409623228.
For more information visit: lucasparklands.com.au/
