Pacific Chamber Players are starting off their 2025 concert series at Cooroy this Sunday with a special program – the premier Queensland performance of Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano by Noel Fidge.
And sitting in the audience will be composer Noel who is coming from his home in Melbourne to hear the group play the work which he wrote in 2023 and has only heard performed once before.
“It seemed to be well received,” he told Noosa Today.
“I chose the oboe and bassoon for several reasons. Like many composers, I’ve written several trios for violin, cello (and piano), probably because it’s easier to find these players and consequently get them performed.
“The oboe, however, produces a distinctive seductive sound, and the bassoon, if scored well with its own melodic lines, adds much colour to the combination and is an essential companion friend.”
Noel’s musical education started at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide then in composition at the Julliard School of Music in New York. Supporting himself as a pianist and composer, he studied medical sciences, published over 200 scientific papers, and retired as Professor of Biochemistry, Monash University. He is now a full-time composer, has written much chamber music, orchestral works, art songs and piano music, and his music is now performed at Melbourne venues and recently in music festivals in Bucharest, Romania.
Describing the Trio he said, “I think the closest description would be neoclassical. In that sense it has three movements, each with recognisable themes which are developed and expanded. But the sounds and harmonies are contemporary and occasionally some recognisable jazz/blues phrasing enters the picture.
“Most importantly, I wished to exploit the seductive flavour of the oboe and bassoon with long, ravishing, western Asian lyricism wherein the instruments converse with each other.”
He is an oboist and oboe enthusiast.
“Oboes are unique amongst woodwinds because its double reed is the essence of its distinctive sound and intonation. Because they are hard to mass produce, oboists spend considerable time making and fine tuning the reeds to their personal taste. They are a rare and dedicated breed of instrumentalists.”
The trio will be performed by Sue Hunkin (oboe), Neil Heymink (bassoon) and Janet Brewer (piano). Janet, who is a founding member of the group, said the program which was called Old and New would include Piazzolla’s tango, Primavera Portena, Haydn’s delightful Flute Quartet in G, Op3 No2, Stamitz’ Clarinet Quartet Op 19 and Rutter’s Suite Antique for Flute and Strings.
“Rutter’s beautiful Suite Antique is full of rich and haunting themes, with a significant solo flute part and a jazzy Waltz which is as much Brubeck as Bach.”
Pacific Chamber Players, 2.30pm Sunday March 2 at Cooroy Memorial Hall. Tickets adults $35, concession $33, school students $12, available at the door (cash only) and online at pacifcchamberplayers.com
