Background

In 2019, Maartje Sevenster, Leanne Bear and Dianna Nixon came together to rehearse this much loved set of Italian arias, arranging them for alto, violin, piano (and a little percussion). With the support of CASP (Country Arts Support Program) they presented a showing at the Hume Conservatorium in Goulburn. Later they presented a concert in Gunning for a small but appreciative audience, who were invited by the group to join them afterwards for wine and cheese on the verandah of the heritage Gunning Court House.

Project Status

We have created a concert experience that we think could work really well as a Sunday afternoon event in a rural setting, or at a winery, or as part of a music festival. Now that we are someway through the Covid pandemic, we are thinking about finding new venues at which to perform this lovely music, preferably with a glass of locally produced wine in hand.

Maartje Sevenster put together some great info on these works. See this link.

Collaborators

Maartje Sevenster has a long history of work as vocalist in early music, and the Baroque period. She collaborated with Dianna in bringing performances of JS Bach’s music to Gunning Railway Station as part of the international popup event, Bach on the Subways. We were the only location in Australia to join in. Maartje has a strong interest in the environment and manages a rural block near Gundaroo.

Leanne Bear is a noted composer, and an in-demand violinist, who plays regularly with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. Her works have been commissioned and performed for major ensembles and festivals here and overseas. She loves raising her menagerie, especially her chooks.

Dianna Nixon is an experienced concert accompanist and vocal teacher, who has been exploring these arias for many years. She especially appreciated her rural lifestyle during Covid, being able to tend her garden, grow food, and get to know the local magpies.

Technical requirements

We require a good piano for this work. We can supply music stands and a piano stool, but would need 3 good chairs.

Ideally, the presenter would have wine and cheese, or even a meal, available for the audience, to make the event as social and fun as possible.

Important dates and activities

We will soon begin looking for some venues, partners, to work with in presenting this concert event.