Prompt Corner - March

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Welcome to Prompt Corner Happy New Year to you and welcome to the first edition of Prompt Corner 2013. I’m delighted to share recent highlights and upcoming events at Melbourne Recital Centre as well as some behind-the-scenes news with you.

In this edition, we reflect on the Centre’s annual MusicPlay children’s festival, the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Celebration Concert which commemorated the life and legacy of our Founding Patron and one of Australia’s most passionate arts advocates and philanthopists as well as our summer outdoor music initiative, The Garden Party.

We also meet Local Heroes ensembles La Compañia and Latitude 37, get to know our next Great Performer Joyce Yang, talk to the Centre’s inaugural Leadership Circles benefactor, Betty Amsden OAM and more.

Enjoy, and I look forward to seeing you at the Centre soon.

Mary Vallentine AO Chief Executive Officer

MusicPlay 2013 In January, Melbourne Recital Centre opened its doors to a new year with MusicPlay, the Centre’s annual summer holiday music festival for children and families. Generously supported by Program Partners, the Hugh Williamson Foundation and the City of Melbourne, MusicPlay encourages young music lovers to immerse themselves in a world of music with a handpicked selection of free and ticketed interactive concerts, installations and musical activities for babies, pre-schoolers and primary school children.

Great Australian Dream by Polyglot Theatre.

The Sound of Drawing.

The award-winning Baby Love Music Fun delighted babies, toddlers and parents with a variety of music and movement based activities in Getting Around with Baby Love Music Fun. Led by opera singer Melanie Maslin, the sold-out workshop embraced singing, puppetry, dance and props and was a highlight of MusicPlay 2013 for both kids and families alike.

The comical suites of Carnival of the Animals (Australian style) by Saint Saëns transported audiences to a musical zoo; the musical adaptation of the storybook, Invisible Me by Wendy Binks saw chamber ensemble Southern Cross Soloists perform an interactive exploration of the vast Australian Bush; and REM Theatre’s The Kookaburra Who Stole The Moon introduced young audiences to instruments of the orchestra and Indigenous culture, led by respected conductor Brett Kelly and Mark Atkins on didgeridoo.

From sing-a-longs to Indigenous stories, a series of interactive workshops led by Australia’s ‘King of the Kids’ Peter Combe, Mark Atkins, Phil Splitter and Mabun Man allowed children to engage with classical, contemporary and Indigenous music in an intimate and educational setting.

REM Theatre’s The Kookaburra Who Stole The Moon

The Centre gratefully acknowledges the support of Program Partners, The Hugh Williamson Foundation and the City of Melbourne.

Invisible Me, A QPAC and Southern Cross Soloists production commissioned for Out of the Box 2012.

Australia’s Musical Community Salutes Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE

ANAM Quartet with Paul Dean, In Celebration of a Musical Life, 8 February 2013.

Elisabeth Murdoch Hall has been the site of many spellbinding concerts, but there’s been none more moving than the evening this past February, when Australia’s musicians gathered to pay tribute to Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and her extraordinary legacy.

They were joined by an audience of music-lovers, family and friends to celebrate Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s life in music. Dame Elisabeth was one of the Centre’s most passionate advocates during its formative years, and the main auditorium was named after her in recognition of her lifetime support of the arts in Victoria.

Ensemble Liaison with Eugene Ughetti

Caroline Almonte & Stephen McIntyre

A new work, Ballade, by noted Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin received its world premiere performance by Ensemble Liaison and percussionist Eugene Ughetti. Commissioned by Melbourne Recital Centre’s Elisabeth Murdoch Creative Development Fund through the support of Kathryn Fagg, the Centre’s Chair, Ballade was inspired

by Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens. Ms Fagg said that music about gardens was “most appropriate for performance at a concert dedicated to this devoted gardener and music-lover. Music was a source of enlightenment, comfort and great enjoyment throughout Dame Elisabeth’s life.”

Australian Chamber Orchestra

A concert on Dame Elisabeth’s birthday has been an annual event since the opening of Melbourne Recital Centre. This year the concert became a tribute to the legendary arts supporter. The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Ensemble Liaison and percussionist Eugene Ughetti, pianists Caroline Almonte and Stephen McIntyre, clarinettist Paul Dean with students from the Australian National Academy of Music, cellist Zoe Knighton and pianist Amir Farid and singer songwriter Gurrumul Yunupingu performed some of Dame Elisabeth’s favourite music, including two works by her beloved Mozart.

Several musicians had a personal relationship with Dame Elisabeth, especially pianist Caroline Almonte and cellist Zoe Knighton, both of whom performed.

Ms Knighton remembered the support, both moral and financial, that Dame Elisabeth had given to so many artists. Ms Knighton said, “What Dame Elisabeth gave all of us, was validation that our life’s work, dreams and passions were valid, that we were important and that our activity was worthwhile and needed.”

L-R: Stephen Carpenter, Peter Bartlett, The Hon. Ted Ballieu, Lally Bartlett, Jan De Kretser, Prof. David De Kretser, Robyn Ballieu, Leigh Ellwood

The Hon. Ted Baillieu and former Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser AC, paid tribute to Dame Elisabeth’s vibrant personality and lifetime of generous support to a range of causes and institutions. Professor de Kretser said, “Dame Elisabeth personified kindness and humility. She was gentle, engaging and never flaunted her wealth. She was always interested in people and what they were doing. As we are all aware, she supported the activities of so many organisations and people not simply by providing financial support but also through her personal engagement. As we recall our interactions with this special person who graced our lives and left this world a better place, treasure these memories, translate them into action that benefits our community. In this way you will honour her life.”

Music Blooms at The Garden Party This January and February, a vacant lot behind Melbourne Recital Centre was transformed into an outdoor suburban music hub, home to some of the biggest and best names in local and international contemporary music.

Designed by Melbourne-based architectural duo, Tim Brooks and Alix Smith, The Garden Party aesthetic was inspired by the idea of paying homage to suburbia with tree-lined streets, manicured lawns, pastel-coloured houses and whimsical, surreal touches such as pink flamingos, garden gnomes and topiary adorning the transformed space.

Mary Vallentine AO, CEO of Melbourne Recital Centre reflects: “We’re delighted that we could engage these up-and-coming young designers to create a relaxing and vivid environment in which to enjoy music, bringing life to a previously under-used space. The Centre’s partners in this initiative, Arts Victoria and the City of Melbourne, have been keen supporters of activities that enliven this precinct and enhance Melbourne’s reputation as a vibrant and surprising city.”

Music was in full bloom for The Garden Party opening weekend. Renowned Melbourne nine-piece, The Bamboos headlined the Opening Night Party to an adoring audience, supported by up and coming ambient-pop band Axolotl and jazz-pop chanteuse, Brous. Hiatus Kaiyote and Fantine celebrated the sounds of soul at the free Australia Day Party on Saturday and the iconic Kashmere Stage Band demonstrated why they’re heralded as the kings of 70s funk on Sunday.

Fantine

Weekend Two saw Gossling captivate audiences with her heartfelt lyrics and quirky humour. Graveyard Train brought their quintessential grit and grunge to The Garden Party stage with a rollicking array of tunes, and folk ensemble Husky mesmerised audiences with their musicality and pure acoustic sound.

Graveyard Train

Gurrumul

Orchestral-pop met electro-rock on Weekend Three of The Garden Party. Popular electro artists Van She brought audiences to their feet with an infectious blend of dance music, Electric Empire delivered a soulful mix of funk, soul and electro delights and Tinpan Orange, Gurrumul and Mia Dyson enthralled audiences with their bold and brilliant songwriting as they performed their much-loved songs live.

Closing weekend saw Swedish singer-songwriter, Jens Lekman serenade a sold-out Garden Party crowd with his charismatic repertoire of quirky pop songs and love ballads, Oh Mercy and Bertie Blackman played a fierce mix of electro-pop and rock while Henry Wagons lived up to his mirthful reputation with a series of side-splitting on-stage antics and Mat McHugh, formerly of the internationally acclaimed The Beautiful Girls, made his long-awaited debut with The Seperatista Soundsystem.

Respected online music magazine, Tone Deaf described The Garden Party as “a truly unique venue… now resembling a mini, joyful community”.

Jens Lekman

Bertie Blackman

Attracting approximately 6,500 attendees, 75% of whom were new to Melbourne Recital Centre, The Garden Party highlighted the Centre’s commitment to innovative programming and the creation of unique musical experiences for music lovers of all genres in the heart of Melbourne.

Melbourne Recital Centre gratefully acknowledges the support of The Garden Party’s Event Partners: Arts Victoria, City of Melbourne and Matilda Bay Brewing Company.

Betty Amsden OAM A philanthropy leader & Norton motorcycle riding truant Betty Amsden is well known for her visionary support of arts education and mentoring. However, while interviewing Betty as Melbourne Recital Centre’s inaugural Leadership Circles benefactor, we discovered a hitherto unknown side to this inspirational woman.

What was your first encounter with the arts?

As a child I had few opportunities to be engaged in the arts. However, in the 1960’s, a friend took me to a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra concert. I didn’t know a single thing about music then, but I was hooked. I began to listen to music on the radio and have loved it ever since. In the early 1980’s, I was invited by Sue Nattrass, the Arts Centre’s former CEO, to a performance and that’s when I began to become more deeply involved in supporting the arts through Board involvement and philanthropy.

What is it about music and the arts that makes you so passionate?

I wasn’t always passionate about music. Not in the way I was about motorbikes. I was the sporty sort and was always getting into trouble with my mother for riding motorbikes when I should not have been. My first bike was a Norton and after that a Harley. I even rode in the first ladies’ scramble on an ex-army bike. Of course, I was found out and my mother was furious. She shouldn’t have been. As a midwife, she rode a motorbike to deliver babies and so should have understood my passion.

I admire people and organisations that dare to be different, and that are committed to serving the very young and the elderly. This illustrates what I value and why I decided to become a Melbourne Recital Centre benefactor.

How did you get involved in supporting the arts?

I was brought up during the Depression by parents who wanted me to have a strong social conscience. My mother taught me that if I had sixpence, I needed to give threepence away. As a child that first threepence was the hardest to let go, but the girl to whom I gave it became one of my best friends and I discovered the joy of giving.

I’ve always been interested in enhancing the musical experience of the young and providing opportunities for them to be immersed in various arts environments.

More recently, I’ve realised that these same needs exist for older adults as well. I also want to empower young artists and arts managers through my personal giving so that they learn to lead; to have confidence in what they can do artistically; and encourage others to follow in this mission.

Betty Amsden with Melbourne Recital Chair, Kathryn Fagg

MusicPlay

What is your most memorable performance at Melbourne Recital Centre?

Now that’s easy… Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet! This was played at the Centre’s concert in celebration of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch last month. I was so moved to hear my favourite piece played in honour of such a special person. Dame Elisabeth did so much for so many, and not just in the arts. She is an inspiration for everyone.

Why do you choose to support Melbourne Recital Centre? What excites you most about the Centre’s future direction?

I appreciate daring. Coming to a performance at Melbourne Recital Centre is always an exciting experience. The Centre respects classicism but has the guts to be different. I also feel so nurtured, like I really belong. And that’s it in a nutshell. I love that you will always find all ages and all walks of life at the Centre because of the varied performance programs. I believe strongly that music should be accessible not elitist.

That’s what the Centre does so well – breaks down distinctions and makes music affordable and accessible, and in that way truly cares for the community.

I have such confidence in the leadership at Melbourne Recital Centre, which encourages daring and difference in bringing music to everyone. I am delighted to be so connected.

Meet Your 2013 Local Heroes Melbourne Recital Centre’s Local Heroes series offers a year-long festival of chamber music. Showcasing Baroque and Classical delights alongside contemporary works and vocal music, 21 accomplished ensembles perform over 65 concerts at the Best Place To Hear. Let us introduce two of them:

Director of Early Music specialists La Compañia, Danny Lucin: La Compañia has a fantastic, loyal and growing following, and our Local Heroes series gives us license to explore some truly remarkable music. As part of Local Heroes, there is a sense that our audience is also exploring, and often in very different ways. We program for musical diversity across the year, essential for our dedicated followers but this also allows our individual concerts to appeal to audiences with broad musical tastes. This year we started with an early and somewhat rustic Spanish program, in May we discover Mediterranean folk melodies followed by the refinement of the Italian Baroque before closing the year with Latin American music of the Baroque Americas. Interestingly, we also attract the ‘occasional’ and very often the ‘curious’ concert goer, and perhaps this is due to the year-long festival approach embraced by Local Heroes which encourages people to try something different in such an engaging venue. It is often the first time an audience member has heard this early repertoire or indeed seen our instruments – they are often surprised and some become our fans. The word spreads, and Local Heroes concerts contribute to the evolving musical landscape nationwide.

Harpsichordist, organist and pianist for Melbourne-based baroque trio Latitude 37, Donald Nicolson: Harpsichordist, organist and pianist for Melbourne-based baroque trio, Latitude 37, Donald Nicolson: Writing as a recent resident in Melbourne (I moved here from New Zealand in 2011), I have been inspired by the cultural scene in this city; it is vibrant, rich and diverse. And yet, as much as this is a wonderful environment of which to be a part, it can also be very difficult as artists to find a place for ourselves in this scene. We need to both attract audience members and satisfy our personal artistic needs to present original and attractive programs. Luckily, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt and love about our Melbourne audience it’s that they are open to many approaches – with some quirkier than others – to programming concerts of Baroque music.

Latitude 37 feels blessed to be a part of the Centre’s Local Heroes series. It is a thrill to present our work in the Salon – a beautiful room not far removed from the chambers in which our predecessors would have entertained Louis XIV, or praised the virtues of the Medici. We are given the flexibility and support to investigate new ideas and bring exciting concepts to an audience which is ready to be taken on the ride. Concertgoers last year may recall my timpani duo with guest artist Guy du Blêt, accompanied by Julia on tambour provençal and Laura actually rattling chains: all in the name of baroque drama!

We are also given the opportunity to extend ourselves, programming beyond the borders of just (albeit beautiful) baroque sonatas and suites. This year we tread new ground with the music of medieval Europe and the Ottoman Turks where else but in Melbourne, in the best place to hear, Melbourne Recital Centre.

Melbourne Recital Centre’s Local Heroes series is supported by the Local Heroes Leadership Circle: the Robert Salzer Foundation, Richard Gubbins & Dr. Garry Joslin & Professor Dimity Reed AM.

Get to know your Great Performers: Joyce Yang At 26 years of age, South Korean pianist Joyce Yang is described as “the most gifted young pianist of her generation”.

Born in Seoul, she received her first piano lesson at the age of four from her aunt. By the age of ten she was studying at the School of Music at the Korea National University of the Arts and in 1997, she moved to the United States to commence studies at the prestigious Julliard School under Dr. Yoheved Kaplinsky.

Joyce Yang first rose to international acclaim during the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2005, where she was awarded the silver medal for performance as well as the Steven De Groote Memorial Award for Best Performance of Chamber Music and the Beverley Taylor Smith Award for Best Performance of a New Work – all at the age of 19, the competition’s youngest participant.

In 2010, Yang received an Avery Fisher Career Grant, one of the classical music industry’s most prestigious accolades for flourishing performers. In addition to her acclaimed solo recitals, she has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony and the BBC Philharmonic, among many others.

Today, Joyce Yang is a Steinway Artist, praised for her virtuosity, technical command and musical sensitivity. She performed a dream-like program inspired by the music of the night last Friday in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, featuring works by Beethoven, Chopin, Bartók and Rachmaninov.

The Great Performers Concert Series is supported by The Langham Melbourne.

What’s On: Metropolis New Music Festival 8-20 April In April, Melbourne Recital Centre and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Metropolis New Music Festival, a boundary-pushing and eclectic series of concerts, workshops, talks and DJ sets committed to the exploration of new music.

This year, Metropolis brings the sound of contemporary London to Melbourne Recital Centre with three internationally renowned artists-in-residence and a curated combination of local ensembles.

Showcasing the sonic magic of Thomas Adès, the iconoclastic electronica of Matthew Herbert and the abstract ambience of Mira Calix, these contemporary virtuosos along with Syzygy Ensemble, Ensemble Offspring, Speak Percussion and The Wild illustrate how drum ‘n’ bass, electronic, politics, chamber music and Britain’s choral tradition innovate – simultaneously inspiring and dividing audiences.

A wonderful addition to the program is an exciting new commissioning program, Made of Music.

Supported by Naomi Milgrom AO, Made of Music draws influence from the sounds generated by the Hoop Pine which wraps the interior of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. In this unique event, British composer Matthew Herbert brings the exquisite hall to life, revealing his interpretation of how the space is made of music through a series of fascinating pre-recorded and improvised beats and sounds.

Camilla Tilling Thursday 16 May 7.30pm In May, soprano Camilla Tilling performs as part of the Centre’s 2013 Great Performers series. Described as ‘radiant’, ‘spellbinding’ and ‘flawless’, Camilla Tilling prioritises purity of sound and phrasing over sheer power, specialising in the late-Romanticism of Richard Strauss. She has performed in some of the most prestigious opera houses including the Metropolitan, Covent Garden, and Glyndebourne as well as Wigmore and Carnegie Hall. For her Great Performers recital she performs songs by Schubert, Strauss, Zemlinsky and Berg with a beautiful yet disarming freshness and masterful sound.

Mahler Chamber Orchestra Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 June 7.30pm In June, 60 of the finest musicians from over 20 European countries take the stage in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall as the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, to perform two programs that showcase why they are heralded as “the best orchestra in the world” (French newspaper, La Monde).

Led by lifetime Conductor Laureate of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra Daniel Harding, the acclaimed Mahler Chamber Orchestra performs a vibrant program of Shostakovich, Henze and Dvořák with commanding virtuoso cellist Alisa Weilerstein on Wednesday 12 June and a spirited program featuring the music of Brett Dean, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Schumann with impassioned virtuoso violinist Christian Tetzlaff, on Thursday 13 June.