Von Brian Angus , 10 August Many Australian singers and musicians have made names for themselves on the international stage. This was an evening to celebrate five of these remarkable Australian women, all friends, who have enjoyed marvellous careers in music. All five are at home in all the major opera houses of the world. The concert celebrated some of Richard Strauss' well known works and also unwrapped a few of his delightful, yet more obscure offerings. Accomplished as both composer and conductor, Strauss had a significant obsession with the female voice.
While symphonic poems were his speciality, he also composed many operas, concertos and Lieder. Simone Young is a very impressive conductor.
Immediately in command, her body and arms encouraged the orchestra and the response she elicited was bold and enthusiastic. Five very different orchestral pieces were placed through the program. Then the Rosenkavalier Waltz delivered a bit of light relief.
Young danced and swayed to her conducting and the orchestra enjoyed themselves as they played. The four eagerly anticipated soloists were brilliant. Lisa Gasteen, last seen in Adelaide fifteen years ago where she gained international fame for her amazing Brünnhilde, was eagerly anticipated, and did not disappoint. I felt this was the most engrossing, compelling singing of the evening. No wonder the applause was deafening, and the conductor gave her a great hug before she exited the stage.
Two exquisite excerpts from Der Rosenkavalier concluded the concert. Finally, Miriam Gordon-Stewart joined them for the concluding trio of the opera. Here the silky-smooth soprano of Matthews soared sweetly into the ether. They blend more richly into the total sound canvas. I expect they had a great catch-up party after the performance that would have extended well into the wee hours of the next day.
