Tuning up for the best sound around

YOUNG choral group Bel Canto Australia will perform their Sound of Music concert at the Hobart Town Hall on Saturday afternoon.

The concert will feature guest appearances by former Bel Canto members Michael Lampard (baritone) and Anastasia Ball (soprano), with the singers accompanied by pianist Karen Smithies.

Lampard will perform several arias, including Si Puo from Pagliacci by Leoncavallo.

“The opera was composed in 1890 in the verismo or ‘true life’ style,” director Suzanne Ortuso said.

“Si Puo is sung during the opening prologue. It reminds the audience that actors have feelings too and the show is about real people.

“Michael will also sing one of Wagner’s very few arias for baritone, O du Mein Holder from the opera Tannhauser.

“He will also perform the drinking song O Vin Dissipe la Tristesse from Hamlet by French composer Ambroise Thomas.”

Ball, who is in the second year of a bachelor of music at the Sydney Conservatorium, will perform four works: L’amento Spagnuolo from Donizetti’s song cycle Music of the Night; Le Rossignol by Delibes; Leid der Suleika by Schumann; and O Ravishing Delight by Arne.

Other performers include Lily Ward, Helena Robin, Bella and Zoe Shackcloth, Mia and Coco Pavlides and Rudy Harris. Younger soloists will also perform songs from musical theatre and popular classical works.

The Bel Canto concert is at the Hobart Town Hall from 2.30pm on Sunday. Tickets are $15 at the door, with proceeds to be donated to charities and projects supported by the Lions Club of Hobart Town.

— PENNY THOW