4th Biennial FESTIVAL of MUSIC 23 MAY-9 JUNE 97

More diverse than ever, the 4th Biennial Festival of Music has several strong themes binding it together. Firstly the festival celebrates anniversaries of major classical composers. There is a series of marvelous chamber music recitals of Schuman and Brahms, and Korngolds splendid opera Die tote Stadt receives a long awaited Australian premiere performance. All three are linked by the notion of Romanticism which is explored further in symphony concerts by the New Zealand and Sydney Symphony Orchestras playing Brahms, Strauss and Mahler. The romantic preoccupation with emotions, expressed particularly in setting the words of the poets, resonates throughout the extensive vocal programme and is echoed in a series of commissioned works from Australian composers.

Composers and songwriters from all continents assemble for Australia`s first Composers' Week. Jazz, punk, popular and classical, improvising, theatrical and spiritual, they unite in a series of concerts, lectures, forums, church services and masterclasses to celebrate the state of the art as the millennium approaches. Entertainment is the keyword but debate and controversy will not be discouraged.

Music and musicians of the Americas are found throughout, from the exuberant traditions of the oppressed expressed in gospel and calypso to the high camp of La Gran Scena from New York. A major celebration of early music includes Anonymous 4, Chanticleer, The Harp Consort, Ensemble 415 and Europe’s hottest counter-tenor Andreas Scholl.

No festival is complete without its divas and we proudly present the Australian debuts of German soprano Mechthild Gessendorf singing Stuauss, and the toast of the European world music circuit Cesaria Evora from Cape Verde in Africa. Returning to Australia for the first time in generations is Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo with its acclaimed Romeo and Juliet.

In May musicians from over twenty countries join a huge contingent of Australian artists to bring you 18 days of extraordinary music. We invite you to welcome them and enjoy your festival.