Lots of string in the Tale

VIRTUOSI Tasmania will continue to celebrate its 25th anniversary this month, with a new ensemble to perform Stravinsky’s The

Soldier’s Tale, first presented by Virtuosi 20 years ago.

The concert will be conducted by Greg Stephens and feature violinist Jennifer Owen, trumpeter Mark Bain, bassoonist Tahnee van Herk, clarinettist Andrew Seymour, percussionist Tracey Pattern, trombonist

Jonathon Ramsay and double bassist James Menzies.

Narration will be provided by ABC Radio presenter Ryk Goddard.

The Soldier’s Tale was composed in 1918 towards the end of World War I, an austere time for many Russians including Stravinsky, which is reflected in the scoring of instruments.

The neoclassical style of music has strong jazz influences, tango rhythms, a march and a waltz, and has been described as both grim and witty.

The text by Swiss writer Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz is based on a Russian folk tale about a soldier playing his fiddle by a stream. He is approached by the devil, who offers him power, wealth and knowledge of the future in exchange for his fiddle. The story follows the ensuing changes in fortune of the two protagonists.

Virtuosi Tasmania will perform the concert twice this Saturday — at Home Hill Winery at Ranelagh from 11am, and in the Organ Room at Mona from 3pm.

Then next weekend, they will play at City Baptist Church in Launceston from 3pm on September 9, and at the Burnie Arts and Function Centre from 2pm on September 10.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 concession, go to

for bookings.