Queensland Symphony Orchestra makes Australian history and joins ranks of world’s leading orchestras with Soloist-in-Residence announcement: Shlomo Mintz to join QSO in 2015
Archive for year: 2014
Francesca Dego & Francesca Leonardi play Beethoven “Spring” Sonata
DG PRESENTS BEETHOVEN VIOLIN SONATAS, SECOND VOLUME
Francesca Dego’s Beethoven project continues with Volume 2 of the complete Violin Sonatas, released on November 18th.
It includes the famous “Spring” Sonata, Op. 12 n. 1-2 and Op. 30 n. 3, as always alongside pianist Francesca Leonardi with whom Dego has been playing for 10 years.
“KIEV SOLOISTS” for Naxos
NCE “Kiev Soloists” records Shostakovich’s symphonies for the “NAXOS” label
Shlomo Mintz to join QSO in 2015
QSO ANNOUNCES SOLOIST IN RESIDENCE
In a move mirroring the world’s leading orchestras, and as a first for any Australian orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has announced a Soloist-in-Residence program with Shlomo Mintz, one of the world’s most acclaimed virtuoso violinists to join the QSO in 2015 under the new initiative.
The Soloist-in-Residence program was announced today by QSO Chief Executive Officer Ms Sophie Galaise, who joined the QSO on June 3 last year bringing with her significant international experience, expertise and vision; the Soloist-in-Residence program is part of her long term vision, and represents an exciting new era for the company.
“The announcement of world leading master violinist Shlomo Mintz as our inaugural Soloist-in-Residence is a signal to the world that the Queensland Symphony Orchestra has a global vision; a quest to grow our international family of musicians, and a commitment to have the world’s best play here in Queensland;and importantly also, to have the world’s best experience the depth and richness of talent that the Queensland Symphony Orchestra represents,” said Ms Galaise.
The Soloist-in-Residence program is supported by the T & J St Baker Charitable Trust and is set to truly elevate the QSO to a new level of musicianship and pride, while expanding the musical reach and influence of the company significantly.
“Soloist-in-Residence programs are highlights of leading orchestras around the world. The New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal are among other companies that are long standing advocates of a Soloist-in-Residence as the program allows for a tremendous sharing of musicality and ideas,” said Ms Galaise.
Shlomo Mintz is already a favourite with audiences and the company, having shone as soloist in QSO’s sold-out opening Maestro Concert on February 15 with Simone Young conducting.
“Shlomo Mintz is esteemed for his impeccable musicianship, stylistic versatility and commanding technique. He regularly appears with the most celebrated orchestras and conductors on the international music scene, he is a major recording artist, recitalist, arts ambassador, conductor and educator; and is also the co-founder of the first online Music Academy,” said Ms Galaise.
“It was very important that our Soloist-in-Residence is a musician of great international acclaim, someone who is a natural fit with the players of the QSO, and in tune with the company’s musical direction and energy. Shlomo more than fits this pre-requisite”.
“He is passionate about music and performing with the best in the world, as well as about music education and mentoring – the QSO, our audiences and our young musicians in Queensland are in for an incredible Season 2015,” she said.
Shlomo Mintz will be resident with the QSO over two extended periods throughout the year, performing in the QSO’s main stage concert season, leading a chamber music performance with QSO musicians and presenting workshops, masterclasses and talks.
QSO also hopes to partner with major teaching institutions to further Shlomo’s contribution to the Queensland education sector.
“I am excited to be coming back to Brisbane to work with the QSO; Queensland has a great Orchestra and I’m looking forward to spending time performing, collaborating and sharing. I consider it an honour to be the first Soloist-in-Residence in the QSO’s history, and indeed, as the first in Australia,” Shlomo Mintz said.
Season 2015 will be unveiled in August. Kath Rose -Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Last recording of Charlie Siem
Charlie Siem discussing his latest recording ‘Under The Stars’ released from Sony Classical September 2014. With the Münchner Rundfunkorchester and Paul Goodwin, conductor.
Mersin International Festival closes with a message of peace
MERSIN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
The beautiful and musical hot summer nights at Mersin International Festival include a wide variety of artists: from famous opera soprano Angel Joy Blue to Spanish jazz/pop singer Buika, national orchestras with Italian and Turkish conductors, young and talented violinists from Turkey and abroad, world music and traditional dance. The event closing the Mersin Festival on 11 June brought together Turkish violinist Cihat Askin and two great artists from Israel for “In a Free Spirit”. Together with Yair Dalal (oud & violin) and Erez Mounk (percussion), they presented the audience with a spiritual wealth of ‘Maqam’, Jewish and Turkish music in the wonderful setting of the St. Paul’s church of Tarsus.