Australians have long been at the forefront of innovation and excellence in musical instrument design and manufacture. As part of Sydney Design 07, this concert will showcase the artistry of Australian instrument design. Titled “The Sound of Innovation: Australian instrument design in concert”, all proceeds will go towards the acquisition of two recorders made by the late Fred Morgan, considered by many to have been the greatest recorder maker of modern times. Fred was a pioneer who raised the level of reproduction instruments and still influences many of the best makers working today.
Acclaimed musicians Genevieve Lacey (recorder), Daniel Yeadon (cello/gamba) and Neal Peres da Costa (harpsichord) will highlight the recorders and other instruments from the Powerhouse collection. Genevieve will talk about recorders as well as play some of her instruments, and Daniel will also showcase some of the gambas currently in the collection.
“The Powerhouse Museum’s musical instrument collection is one of the largest and most significant collections in a public institution in Australia,” says Michael Lea, Curator of Musical Instruments. “It is a collection of national significance and is recognised as having instruments unique in the development of music-making in Australia.
“The collection currently comprises over 800 instruments that are both historical and contemporary and come from a variety of cultures. The Museum’s holdings of Australian-made musical instruments are without parallel and we are extremely devoted to maintaining the focus on Australian-made instruments through both acquisitions and commissions.”
The Museum is delighted to have a strong association with Pinchgut Opera. Sydney’s surprising opera company is dedicated to presenting rare and extraordinary operas. This year, Pinchgut is producing Vivaldi’s Juditha Triumphans at the City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney, in December. This will be a fully staged opera, performed on classical era instruments and featuring a stunning cast.
The Sound of Innovation: Australian instrument design in concert
Presented by the Powerhouse Foundation and Pinchgut Opera
Program
Works by Vivaldi, Handel, Telemann, Kats Chernin and Sculthorpe
Performers
Genevieve Lacey (recorder), Danny Yeadon (cello) and Neal Peres da Costa (harpsichord)
Venue: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street Ultimo
Date/Time: Saturday 11 August, 6.30 for 7.00PM
Tickets: $40/$35 conc & members/subscribers of the Powerhouse or Pinchgut (proceeds will go towards the purchase of the Fred Morgan instruments)
Bookings: 02 9217 0600
For donations & enquiries regarding the Fred Morgan recorders, call: Yarmila Alfonzetti on ph: 02 9217 0564 e:
Visit www.powerhousemuseum.com and www.pinchgutopera.com.au
