Vocalise

The Beauty of the Voice and Piano

This concert will journey through four countries and nearly three hundred years of composition and will feature the world premier of a new composition by Australian pianist and composer, Ian Munro.

After commencing with J.S Bach 'French Suite', the Omega Ensemble will present Poulenc’s wartime set of songs was composed shortly after he was demobilised as the result of the treaty between France and Adolf Hitler. Hôtel Banalités is one of Poulenc’s most popular works; and this concert presents five different, but very characteristic moods.
Best known for his virtuosic piano skills, Rachmaninoff's vocal works are stunning representations of some of the finest melodic writing to be found. 

This concert also includes the world-premiere of a new work from Australian composer, Ian Munro, who says:
“I have been writing songs to words by the great Australian poet Judith Wright for almost as long as I have been writing music, so much have her words meant to me, with their innate lyricism yet deep, often troubling concerns, for the land and its life, the people, justice and love. These songs, written for Omega, reflect a similar passion for Wright by their dedicatee and commissioner, Norma Hawkins.

Omega Ensemble
David Rowden - Clarinet
Maria Raspopova - Piano
Lee Abrahamsen - Soprano

Lee Abrahmsen - Soprano