ACO and Gallipoli

ACO Gallipoli concert (from ACO website)

The latest Australian Chamber Orchestra concert, Reflections on Gallipoli, depicts the horrors of first World War so graphically that is is hard to sit through. Soldier's letters are read by two actors, one of them an Australian with Turkish background. (Congratulations Director Neil Armfield.)

The Western and Turkish musical selections accompanying the readings are inspired as is the singing of soprano Taryn Fiebig.

A series of photos from the conflict is projected on a huge screen behind the musicians and as you watch one face after the next, both allied troops and Turkish forces, you can't help remembering the diggers and their refusal to take part in the glorification of war, much to the chagrin of modern war mongers.

We are continually told that the Anzac spirit defines Australia's national identity and we  remember and revere Gallipoli heroes each Anzac day. As a recent twitter post pointed out, it is ironic that we are now told that the current crop of  passionate men who want to fight in foreign lands are a threat to us all.

ACO with Dawn Upshaw - the Grammy winning concert

Helene Rathbone

The Australian Chamber Orchestra lead by Helena Rathbone is wowing audiences with their concert featuring soprano Dawn Upshaw singing Grieg, Rautavaara and Maria Schneider's Winter Morning Walks, the  song cycle that recently won them three Grammy awards.

They are getting great reviews and deservedly. I imagine the concert will be broadcast but I think it is the sort of repertoire that is best heard live.

Fabulous evening - thank you Helena and ACO!