BY JOHN GLOVER
We know it can take a while to trawl through all the headlines in your newsfeed. So we’ve compiled our top picks for you to absorb quickly – leaving you more time for practice (or procrastination).
This week, we bid a heartfelt goodbye to some national and international artists who have made a huge impact on the music world for their work.
We also congratulate some wonderful individuals and groups for their ongoing dedication in the industry.
… and GO!
PASSING OF A GREAT
The opera world suffered a heavy loss this November 22, with the passing of baritone-great Dmitri Hvorostovsky from brain cancer. This international star of 25 years had continued to sing in concert right up until December 2016, even with his arm in a sling. Though he battled a dreadful illness, Dmitri was a strong fighter and remained optimistic right up until the end at 55 years old – a true testament to his artistry. Thank you for your work Dmitri, we will always remember you.
ARCO KEEPING IT REAL
The Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra will be pulling out its microscopes for Sydneysiders with the launch of its breakthrough education series. Presented by the renowned Australian conductor Richard Gill, A Voyage of Musical Discovery will take audiences on an insightful journey through various musical periods, breakin’ down some of that HIP practice and truly bringing classics to life. If you’re interested, you can check out the series here.
A CONGRATULATIONS IN ORDER
The first-ever APRA AMCOS Good Music Citizen Award has been handed out to the people behind the National Carillon. This new award is granted to Australian organisations that promote music and culture. And with the icon hosting an assortment of musical events and attracting national and international carillonists – well, it’s no wonder they’ve been selected! Keep an eye out for the National Carillon next time you’re in Canberra. I’m sure this isn’t the last we’ll be hearing of them…
FAREWELL, EOIN!
We bid a fond farewell to Eoin Andersen, who is set to leave his post at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Eoin led the orchestra through his two years as co-concertmaster, and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours. We’re sure we’ll hear from him soon enough! Eoin finishes up with the MSO in Sounds of Springs – a concert featuring Beethoven, Copland and Piazzolla. Check it out on 30 November and 1 December.
DOCTOR WHO??
The creator of the unmistakable Doctor Who theme has been bestowed with an honorary PhD, 16 years after her death. Delia Derbyshire was the mastermind behind the music after mixing the original theme by Ron Grainer into a hypnotic masterpiece, way back in 1962! Considered a pioneer in electronic music, it is wonderful to see that her legacy is still celebrated – and will not be forgotten.
Visit us again next Friday for your weekly arts news headlines.
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Image of Dmitri Hvorostovsky: Kremlin.ru [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
