The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (ABO), a beacon of Australia’s early music scene, is set to awe audiences with its upcoming Baroque Kaleidoscope concert series. Scheduled to unfold at Sydney’s illustrious City Recital Hall from 3 – 8 May, before gracing Melbourne Recital Centre from 9 – 12 May, these performances are a testament to the Orchestra’s dedication to both historical authenticity and innovative musical expression. At the heart of this series lies a meticulously chosen repertoire featuring immortal works by Vivaldi, Telemann, Handel, and their distinguished contemporaries.
In what promises to be a transcendent homage to the Baroque period, the ABO ventures back to its origins. The concert series aims to spotlight the fervour and extraordinary adeptness of Brandenburg’s principal musicians. Attendees can look forward to renditions of widely celebrated compositions, including Handel’s lively “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba,” and a captivating concerto for two violins from Vivaldi’s acclaimed L’estro Armonico.
The stage will be graced by luminaries such as Shaun Lee-Chen, the internationally acclaimed Concertmaster whose renditions as a soloist have garnered widespread admiration, notably in last year’s Gloria & The Four Seasons. Equally distinguished are Principal Second Baroque Violin Ben Dollman and Principal Baroque Flute Melissa Farrow, each having enriched the Brandenburg ensemble with over two decades of expertise.
Adding to the ensemble’s distinguished lineup, Adam Masters, recently coronated as Principal Baroque Oboe, will deliver a special performance of an Albinoni concerto. Masters’ unconventional path to music, transitioning from a decade-long career in medicine to pursuing his passion in Baroque oboe in Germany, brings a unique depth to his musicianship.
Paul Dyer, ABO’s co-founder and Artistic Director, encapsulates the spirit of the series, “We’re incredibly excited to highlight the unique and extraordinary talent of Brandenburg’s all-star period instrumentalists. In this celebration of the rich musical heritage of the Baroque era, we’re focusing on what we do best – reigniting timeless masterpieces with contemporary exuberance.”
This extraordinary series not only reinvigorates the legacy of Baroque music; it also showcases the multi-faceted talents of the ABO’s instrumentalists, stitching together the past and present in a dazzling musical tapestry that promises to captivate and enchant.
For more info head to the Brandenburg Orchestra website
DATES
City Recital Hall, Sydney
- Fri, 3 May, 7:00pm
- Sat, 4 May, 2:00pm
- Sat, 4 May, 7:00pm
- Tue, 7 May, 7:00pm
- Wed, 8 May, 7:00pm
Melbourne Recital Centre?
- Thu, 9 May, 7:00pm
- Sat, 11 May, 7:00pm
- Sun, 12 May, 5:00pm
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Vivaldi Concerto for two Violins in A minor (L’estro Armonico), Op. 3 No. 8, RV 522
Handel The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon, HWV 67
Handel Concerto grosso in B-flat major, Op. 6 No. 7, HWV 325
Telemann Concerto for flute and violin in E minor, TWV 52e3