Highlighting the schedule is award-winning American coloratura Brenda Rae in her highly anticipated Australian debut. Joining the ANAM Orchestra for Glories of the French Baroque: ANAM’s 2017 Gala Concert, the co-production between Melbourne Recital Centre and Melbourne Festival is sure to offer some exquisite treasures come October 2017.
For over 35 years, Germany’s Ensemble Modern has blazed a trail of innovation and searing virtuosity as one of the leading contemporary groups on the planet. In June 2017, ANAM welcomes the ensemble to Melbourne to lead a survey of some of the most startling music of the past decade, together with the occasional 20th-century classic.
Alongside his band the Mothers of Invention and as a solo artist, Frank Zappa has produced over 60 albums fusing rock, jazz, jazz fusion, orchestral and musique concrète works. Ensemble Modern will pay tribute to the revered artist by performing one of his most masterful works Yellow Shark which Zappa composed in 1992 especially for the Ensemble.
Also featuring in the schedule will be a special homage to one of infamous late composer Richard Strauss’ prized works. The gorgeous lyric soprano of Greta Bradman will showcase the ever autumnal Four Last Songs.
On top of that, three of the world’s greatest living percussionists, Steven Schick, Jan Williams and William Winant gather to celebrate the centenary of the birth of their compatriot, American composer Lou Harrison in percussion festival, American Triptych. In what is set to be one of the country’s major musical events of 2017, these musical legends preside over an inspirational ten days of concerts, talks, masterclasses and events from late September into October.
Other features include two works from mercurial violinist Anthony Marwood, Marwood Plays Chamber Music and Marwood’s Beethoven. The South Melbourne Town Hall will host special performances from the likes of Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Principal Conductor Nicholas Carter as well as pianist Peter Hill and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s Matthew McDonald.
To cap it all off, monarch of the keyboard Imogen Cooper shares her love of Beethoven along with insights into world renowned composer Thomas Ades and Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Michael Mulcahy will team up with some of ANAM’s best brass musicians to perform Giovanni Gabrieli’s lustrous symphonies.
