HANDEL WITH RESPECT

BRAVO

SOPRANO

Sara Macliver will perform six arias from three Handel operas and from the composer’s oratorio Samson at the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Fireworks concert next week.

Macliver said she was looking forward to continuing her long and close association with the TSO, with whom she has performed and recorded many times.

In the first part of the concert Macliver will sing Tornami a Vagheggiar from Alcina, and Piangero la Sorte Mia and Da Tempeste il Legno Infranto from Giulio Cesare in Egitto. After interval she will perform Let the Bright Seraphim from Samson, Ah! Spietato from Amadigi di Gaula, and Scioglio d’Immota Fronte from Scipione.

“There are examples of beautiful, languishing melodies, lost love, despair and hope,” Macliver said.

“There are also lots of fireworks and rapid coloratura, the more bravuratype arias.

“For example, in Piangero Cleopatra thinks Caesar is dead and she has lost all hope, as well as the love of her life.

“The A section is incredibly languid and beautiful, and in the B section she gets a fire in her belly and is thinking of vengeance. You really get to tap into the emotions.”

Let the Bright Seraphim will feature TSO principal trumpet Yoram Levy, and Ah! Spietato principal oboe David Nuttall.

“The voice and the solo instruments really blend, interplay and bounce off each other,” Macliver said.

“We will share our ideas beforehand to make them work together.

“Even if there isn’t a similarity in sound you can emulate each other in terms of style, nuances and phrasing.”

Conducted by Oliver Gooch, the TSO Fireworks concert will be held at Hobart’s Federation Concert Hall from 7.30pm on July 7, and at Launceston’s Albert Hall from 7.30pm on July 8. Tickets start at $32, go to www.tso.com.au for bookings.

— PENNY THOW

CALL IS OUT

HOBART Orpheus Choir and Friends’ Singers will celebrate Orpheus’s 140th anniversary with a performance of highlights from Handel’s Messiah in November, and are seeking choristers to join them. The production will be led by Friends’ conductor Matthew Anning and Orpheus conductor Marian Bisset, with rehearsals to begin next month. Singers are welcome to join in, with tenors and basses particularly welcome. “It will also be an opportunity for those who sang Elijah to be part of another major work,” Bisset said. For more information phone 0421 067 212.

PEACE SIGN

HOBART’S Cantiamo Ladies Choir will warm the heart and set toes tapping with their Peace in Our Hearts concert this weekend. Led by musical director Priscilla Richardson and featuring accompanist David Carr, the Peace in Our Hearts concert will be held at the Bellerive Senior and Citizens Centre in Alma St from 2pm on Sunday. Tickets, which include afternoon tea, are $15 for adults and $12 concession, available at the door or by phoning 0410 490 632.

CHAMBER MADE

LAUNCESTON chamber orchestra Camerata Obscura will be joined by harpsichordist Amanda Hodder to perform music from Vivaldi, Corelli, Bridge, Borodin and Mozart at two concerts this weekend. Directed by Christopher Bearman, the concerts will be held at Launceston’s Holy Trinity Church from 3pm on Saturday, and at Christ Church at Longford from 3pm on Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 concession, available at the door, with children admitted free of charge.