Leading Period Instrument Group, Australian Haydn Ensemble to tour NSW’s Regional Mid-North.
Musicians of the Australian Haydn Ensemble (Photography by James Mills).
From the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall, Australia’s leading period-instrument group, the Australian Haydn Ensemble (AHE), has performed on some of the great stages of the world. Coming this August to NSW’s Mid-North, AHE specialises in repertoire of the late Baroque and early Classical eras. Taking their name from composer, Joseph Haydn, AHE’s flexibility and inventiveness are inspired by his fabled originality.
Supporting this tour is Music in the Regions, who, across their three years of operations have made a mark on regional NSW, successfully touring world class classical music from Nundle to Deniliquin. This itinerary will see them tour to three new locations in Taree, Dunedoo, and Mudgee, in addition to making return visits to Gloucester and Muswellbrook. This tour is at the core of Music in the Regions’ mission; to create greater cultural opportunities close to home, for the 3 million people living outside the metropolitan areas.
Music in the Regions General Manager and Producer, Marika Nordquist, said: “For me, the music of this era and particularly that of Haydn holds a special place. This itinerary provides us with an opportunity to return to some favourite community partners and expand to new regional locations, allowing for audiences to experience the joy and vibrancy of both the music and the artistry of Australian Haydn Ensemble close to their homes.”
Celebrating the music of Mozart, Haydn and Boccherini, AHE’s program, Viennese Influence, will explore these great composers’ relationships, whilst painting a vibrant aural picture centring around Mozart’s ‘Dissonance’ quartet.
Beginning with Haydn's String Quartet Op. 76 No. 4, aptly nicknamed ‘Sunrise’, this work is celebrated for its radiant and uplifting character. The quartet earns its nickname from the opening movement, which features a gradual and serene rising theme that evokes the image of a sunrise. It is a shining example of Haydn's innovative contributions to the string quartet repertoire and his enduring influence on classical music.
Following is Boccherini’s String Quartet Op. 32 No. 5 in G Minor. This work captures a wide range of moods, from intense passion to delicate sensitivity, highlighting the composer's skill in creating vivid musical narratives and Spanish influenced drama.
To conclude, AHE will perform Viennese Influence’s central piece, Mozart’s String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465, commonly known as the ‘Dissonance’ quartet. The last in a set of six quartet’s written in dedication to Haydn, these works were of great personal significance to Mozart, so much so he referred to the works as his children.
Skye McIntosh, Artistic Director of AHE said: " Since its earliest beginnings, AHE has loved performing in the regions of NSW. The intimacy and immediacy of the experience is wonderful for everyone - artists and audiences alike. We are bringing an absolutely beautiful string quartet program of music by Haydn, Mozart and Boccherini. We are so much looking forward to being in Taree, Gloucester, Muswellbrook, Mudgee, and Dunedoo and hope to see you there."
Australian Haydn Ensemble will perform Viennese Influence at:
TAREE: 6pm, Saturday 3 August at Manning Regional Art Gallery and in partnership with Manning Regional Art Gallery and Friend of the Manning Regional Art Gallery.
GLOUCESTER: 4pm, Sunday 4 August at The Citizens Centre in partnership with Gloucester Arts Cultural Council Inc.
MUSWELLBROOK: 7pm, Wednesday 7 August at and in partnership with Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music.
DUNEDOO: 6pm, Friday 9 August at Dunedoo Jubilee Memorial Hall in partnership with Dunedoo and District Development Group.
MUDGEE: 3pm, Saturday 10 August at Mudgee Arts Precinct Gallery in partnership with Mudgee Arts Precinct and Mudgee Region Tourism.