Showcase of music and art

A unique collaboration of music and art will capture the talents of Drouin couple Brian and Lucy Chapman together with Gippsland baritone Nathan Lay.

The showcase, “The Winter Journey Project”, will be offered at ARC Yinnar this month and is inspired by Franz Schubert’s song cycle “Winterreise (Winter Journey)”.

Brian Chapman said translating the 24-part German poem of the song cycle from German to English was a long-awaited goal. He described the previous English translation as a sanitised version and “not an honest translation”.

Mr Chapman said, “the poems are very dark because it’s the state of mind of a jilted lover” but emphasised it was “a compelling and beautiful work of art”.

Separately, Lucy Chapman was inspired to create 24 artworks reflecting the 24-part poem.

Lucy purchased 24 canvases many years ago but didn’t know where to start, resulting in her inspiration fizzling out. However, after creating a project proposal as part of her Visual Arts degree, Lucy’s passion reignited. She created the 24 artworks in just nine months.

First meeting Nathan Lay whilst involved with the West Gippsland Chorale, Brian was thrilled to get the Gippsland baritone on board the project.

The project involves Lucy Chapman’s art exhibition at ARC Yinnar’s gallery from Saturday, June 8 to Saturday, July 6.

The highlight is a free opening sampler event on Saturday, June 15 at 2pm featuring music and wine tasting. A recital featuring Nathan Lay singing a new English translation of the poems accompanied by Brian Chapman on piano will be performed on Sunday, June 16 at 2.30pm, also at ARC Yinnar.

Seating is limited to 100 people and can be booked by visiting trybooking.com/482896. Tickets are $30 for general, $25 for members and concession, and $15 for students.

A German/English album of “Winterreise” recorded in April and May will be launched, and also played in the gallery during the exhibition. The two-part CD featuring a booklet containing Lucy Chapman’s paintings.

For further information, email brian.chapman@qedinteractive.com.au.

Drouin couple Brian and Lucy Chapman have combined with Nathan Lay for a unique showcase, “The Winter Journey Project”.

Family show “Robot Song” is for any child who has ever felt isolated or pushed to the margins and any parent desperate for tools to help. It will be performed at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Thursday, June 13 at 10am.