MEDIA RELEASE
23 OCTOBER 2012
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE PRESENTS
UTZON MUSIC SERIES 2013
FEBRUARY - DECEMBER 2013, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, UTZON ROOM
"Artists who play in the Opera House's Utzon Room always face tough competition from the setting." SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
Since 2004, the Utzon Music Series has given audiences the opportunity to experience intimate recitals from renowned ensembles and soloists in one of the world’s most beautiful venues. In 2013, Sydney Opera House celebrates 40 years of continuous operations and this milestone has been the inspiration behind some of the Utzon Music Series season highlights.
The Brodsky Quartet and The Tallis Scholars both celebrate their 40th birthdays in 2013. In five performances over three days, The Brodsky Quartet will play all 15 Shostakovich string quartets. These compelling and profound quartets are collectively considered one of the great works of 20th century art. Perhaps it is only ‘The Brodskys’ who have the musical authority to undertake this herculean journey.
For 40 years, The Tallis Scholars have been giving authoritative performances of Renaissance sacred music and in 2013 they will reproduce some of their most renowned interpretations of the canon. The Scholars’ recording of Allegri’s profound Miserere is legendary, combining scholarship and musicianship. This program will be one of the highlights of the Utzon Music Series and will be performed in the Concert Hall.
2013 marks 50 years since the death of Paul Hindemith, the composer renowned for being abel to play almost every orchestral instrument. The Hindemith Quintet brings together some of the best woodwind players in Europe. The combination of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn creates a unique kaleidoscope of aural colours in interpretations of some of the most significant works of the 20th century.
As Opera House Head of Classical Music, Yarmila Alfonzetti, says, ‘Sydneysiders, you are in for the indulgence of a lifetime getting to hear this man perform the Bach solo partitas and sonatas up close.’ This man is violinist Christian Tetzlaff, renowned for his musicianship, intelligence and transcendent technique. Playing all of JS Bach’s sonatas and partitas for solo violin, this remarkable body of work will provide one of the most enthralling and intense listening experiences possible.
‘I am without doubt the most ardent admirer of every artist in this program and the repertoire I know that I can’t wait to hear again.’ Yarmila Alfonzetti, Head of Classical Music.
The annual Classical Music Program offered by Sydney Opera House aims to complement the regular classical music performances at the Opera House while at the same time deepening and broadening the experience for our partners, our visitors and our patrons. The focus is on sharing information between artists, venues and organisations, assisting with and instigating collaborations and performances, and engaging with audiences and agents by being open and consistent.
FULL 2013 PROGRAM
FOREIGN FOLKTALES, DEJAN LAZIC, piano - Sunday 24 February, 3pm
HERITAGE IN SONG, LISA GASTEEN, soprano - Sunday 28 April, 3pm
VARIATIONS REINVENTED, SIMONE DINNERSTEIN, piano - Sunday 12 May, 3pm
NIGHT MOODS, SERGIO TIEMPO, piano - Sunday 23 June, 3pm
THE SHOSTAKOVICH CYCLE, THE BRODSKY QUARTET: The Complete Shostakovich String Quartets – Friday 12 – Sunday 14 July, 3pm and 7pm
HINDEMITH’S FOND FAREWELL, HINDEMITH QUINTETT - Sunday 28 July, 3pm
THE SOPRANO’S SONGBOOK, SUSAN BULLOCK, soprano with MALCOLM MARTINEAU, piano - Sunday 1 September, 3pm
FAVOURITES BY BEETHOVEN, RAVEL AND MOZART, LOUIS LORTIE, piano - Sunday 15 September, 3pm
MASS AND MORE, THE TALLIS SCHOLARS - Sunday 27 October, 7pm
ALONE WITH BACH, CHRISTIAN TETZLAFF, violin - Sunday 8 December, 3pm
MEDIA CONTACT
Jane Davis / 9250 7440 / 0401 718 230 / jdavis@sydneyoperahouse.com