Together with pianist Janet Brewer, mezzo soprano Hilary O’Neill is delighted to present a diverse programme of music, ranging from German Lieder through to Celtic song.
Her repertoire of German Lieder will include works by Schubert, Brahms, Wolf, Strauss and Weill, reflecting some of the greatest compositions from the early-to-late Romantic era.
“That she was able to characterise such towering romantic portraits as Schubert’s Der Zwerg and Brahms’ Von ewiger Liebe as effectively as she did was a tribute to O’Neill’s strong ties with her audience, her demonstrable love of music and her fine voice“ – The Adelaide Advertiser wrote in its review.
In the second part of the program, Hilary accompanies herself on harp as she delivers heart-rending renditions of songs from her native homeland, Ireland.
Embellished by her trademark Irish humour, she paints word pictures and tells original stories relating to each song. Janet will also accompany Hilary on flute for several songs.
A concert artist of many years, Hilary O’Neill returned from her last European tour in December 2019.
Unable to perform in public due to the pandemic, she used the lockdown to write a book about her years of touring. Titled Travels with my Harp, this travelogue-memoir details many of her most amusing experiences travelling and performing throughout Germany and Switzerland. The book also includes many historic references and observations. Copies of the book will be available at the concerts.
“Hilary O’Neill is a skilled and accomplished singer and harpist with a great appetite for life. She sweeps you up in her impulsiveness… it’s full of gritty reality and she tells it all with humour and open mindedness, including the ups and downs, the discomforts and triumphs,“ arts reviewer Cathrine Cox said.
The concert will be performed on Saturday 1 October at 3pm at Cooran Hall, Cooran and Sunday 2 October at 3pm at Good Shepherd Hall, Noosaville.
For bookings and more information visit hilaryoneill.com
