The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, in its annual Feast of Music, produced an outstanding four concert program in the Daylesford Town Hall from September 13-15.

The virtuosity and commitment were breathtaking while exploring and reimagining music from J.S. Bach to contemporary compositions.

The passion and energy commenced with Haydn’s Gypsy piano trio on Friday evening and finished with a blaze of tango from all musicians on Sunday afternoon.

At the forefront of this event was classical accordionist James Crabb. His arrangement of the J.S. Bach Cm concerto for two keyboards, accordion and piano, was one of many highlights.

With the irrepressible Stefan Cassomenos at the piano and the superbly disciplined MCO Strings in full flight, the performance was genuinely convincing.

Similarly, Crabb’s arrangement (piano and accordion) of Lutoslawski’s Variations on a Theme of Paganini sparkled with its complex rhythms, precisely realised, while contrasted with the grand romantic theme late in the work.

The traditional chamber compositions were delivered with enthusiasm and freshness. The power and energy of the Brahms Piano Quartet Op.25 was balanced perfectly by the understated elegance of the Vanhal Divertimento in G major.

The world premiere performance of Cassomenos’s Quintetsatz was the ideal companion to Schbert’s Trout quintet.

This new work clearly references the late classical style while adding a new dimension, particularly with its rhythmic drive.

The pleasant surprises were not limited to the accordion. Violinist Sophie Rowell demonstrated subtlety and bravura technique in Alan Ridout’s music for Ferdinand the Bull, with Lucien Fischer narrating the popular children’s story.

Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte, for string quartet, revealed a broad range of unusual string techniques within its challenging style. Finally, it was the irresistible appeal of the tango which had the last say.

Antonio Agri and Jose Carli’s Desde Adentro, with the gorgeous solo violin entry performed by Elizabeth Sellars, grew into a kaleidoscope of tonal colours and syncopated rhythms.

Piazzolla’s Libertango drove the program to an exciting conclusion.

Words: Bronislaw Sozanski BA DipEd ATCL VMTA

The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra will visit Daylesford in 2024, with an exciting line-up of
creative experiences for all ages.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, in recent days said the latest round of the state
government’s Touring Victoria program was “a win for local audiences”.

The program supports leading creative organisations across Victoria to take their works on
the road and connect world-class art with more communities and local venues – boosting
accessibility and opportunity for Victorians.

It enables Victorian arts companies to hit the road, reach new audiences and connect with
local creative workers and communities.

The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra will present a program of orchestral and chamber music,
including performances, student masterclasses, talks and more.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “The Touring Victoria program gives Macedon audiences of all ages the chance to experience incredible creative performances, events and professional development activities that may otherwise be a city trip away.”