*Pic: “Knockout mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux”
Brisbane Baroque not for bogans
On another cultural note, I have in my hand the 2016 program of Leo Schofield’s Brisbane Baroque – the outfit that upped stumps from Hobart and fled north after what Leo called the “dregs, bogans and third-generation morons” of Van Diemen’s Land failed to come with with the requisite financial support.
What Brizvegans get for their money is pretty damn special: a gala celebration of J.S. Bach; the music of the Red Priest, Antonio Vivaldi; knockout mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux; a choir and orchestra composed entirely of women; and harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani.
There’s also a slice of ancient Rome’s megalomania, sadism, incest and matricide courtesy of G.F. Handel’s opera Agrippina. Just the thing for Queenslanders.
But wait, there’s more: Henry Purcell, free talks and organists.
You can see that Schofield, the old marketing man, has poured his heart and soul into the sumptuous brochure.
You can feel and hear the music busting out of its glossy pages.
From Richard Ackland’s Gadfly column, The Saturday Paper here
• Download the full Brisbane Baroque program HERE
EARLIER on Tasmanian Times …
• Brisbane Baroque’s stunning Mark II … what might have been at the Theatre Royal …
