The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra has recently announced its highly anticipated 2024 Season, a diverse and dynamic program of live concert series set to take place at Sydney’s City Recital Hall and Melbourne Recital Hall. The upcoming season promises to captivate audiences with theatrical performances and innovative interpretations of the best of Baroque music.
One of the highlights of the 2024 Season is the inclusion of renowned international guest artists who will be making their Australian debut alongside the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. French harpsichordist Justin Taylor, Japanese soprano Yukie Sato, and Italian fortepianist Francesco Corti are among the talented musicians set to grace the stage and add an extra layer of brilliance to the performances.
Paul Dyer, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, stating, “Our 2024 season continues the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s bold mission to excite, to honour, to reinvent and to reignite the energy of early music.” He further emphasized the range of musical experiences the audience can expect, from the harmonious voices of a full orchestra to the intimate performances of next-generation soloists.
Co-Founder and Managing Director Bruce Applebaum also shared his enthusiasm, inviting both loyal fans and newcomers to join the orchestra on this exciting journey. He encouraged audiences to be ready to be engaged, uplifted, moved, and renewed, suggesting that the 2024 season would challenge preconceptions and reward curiosity.
The season kicks off with “Notre-Dame,” a moving tribute to the iconic cathedral’s enduring spirit as a hub of musical innovation. This concert series commemorates eight centuries of music performed within Notre-Dame de Paris, utilizing spoken word penned by Alana Valentine, a Helpmann Award-winning playwright and director. The blend of orchestral and choral music from the church’s rich history promises to create a compelling narrative of strength, frailty, and endurance.
The second concert series, “Baroque Kaleidoscope,” brings the Brandenburg treatment to baroque masterpieces by Vivaldi, Telemann, and their contemporaries. Leading Australian instrumentalists, including Concertmaster Shaun Lee-Chen, Jamie Hey, and Melissa Farrow, will showcase their passion on period instruments. This series serves as the ultimate homage to the baroque era, as these talented musicians breathe new life into historical compositions.
In “Night in Versaille,” French harpsichordist Justin Taylor joins forces with three generations of established Australian instrumentalists for an ode to the harpsichord and its peak of popularity. The program features a selection of rare and cherished works, complemented by an immersive, theatrically styled stage inspired by the opulence of Château de Versailles.
Acclaimed Japanese soprano Yukie Sato makes her highly anticipated Australian debut in the fourth concert series, “Handel’s House.” Sato’s performance will focus on Handel’s most cherished arias, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience her radiant vocals outside of Japan. With technical prowess and innate musicality, Sato is set to deliver a captivating and emotionally charged Handel experience.
The season concludes with “Mozart’s Jupiter,” a journey through time and space featuring Italian fortepiano virtuoso Francesco Corti in his Australian debut. The concert showcases a trilogy of works by Mozart, with the Brandenburg Orchestra’s largest lineup of the year. The program includes an all-in overture of Mozart’s most famous opera, followed by Corti’s mesmerizing interpretation of Piano Concerto No.23. The grand symphonic experience reaches its climax with Mozart’s Symphony No.41, performed by instrumentalists from all over Australia and the world.
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s 2024 Season promises to be a celebration of musical excellence, offering audiences the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of Baroque music. With a lineup of exceptional guest artists and a carefully curated selection of performances, the orchestra invites music lovers to embark on an unforgettable journey through time and emotion.