Ben Northey rocks it on ABC's Spicks & Specks

I recall speaking to Ben after he filmed episode 32 for ABC's Spicks & Specks, back in March. They had asked if he wouldn't mind doing a little impromptu conducting session, finishing it off in true 'rock n roll' style... well Ben, seems you do have a little rock running through your veins. You didn't disappoint!

Watch it here:http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/view/630795

sweet sounds from Bangalow Music Festival

Those lucky enough to be in Bangalow, the oh-so-quaint town in the hinterlands above Byron Bay, last weekend were treated to three days of exquisite music from some of Australia's best musicians. Artistic Director Paul Dean was in fine form and the sounds coming from Ilya Konovalov's centuries-old Stradivarius violin made for some very special memories. Lots of familiar faces, lots of tea and cake between concerts. Looking forward to doing it all again next year!

i stumbled across a Pirate at the beach

I've had the joy of working with some of Australia's favourite opera talents on Opera Australia's 2010 season of The Pirates of Penzance. As well as being treated to a sneak-peak during rehearsals, I enjoyed a sparkling morning on Palm Beach with the talented and commanding pirate of the seas, Anthony Warlow (or should I say Captain Jack Sparrow). Thanks for the amazing pics Sydney Morning Herald.

Winter music school hits high notes

Artistic Director Paul Dean rang me last year and invited me to be his plus one at the 2009 Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) Awards night. Southern Cross Soloists had been nominated for their Winter Music School for the most outstanding contribution to Australian music and education. To my dismay I was unable to make the event, which was made even worse when Paul text me to say they'd be pick up the award. 

They returned to Rockhampton last week for their 2010 SunWater & Stanwell Winter Music School, award in tow, and have attracted record numbers and it's biggest program date. This morning Paul and students spoke with ABC Capricornia breakfast presenter Jacquie Mackay: http://blogs.abc.net.au/files/jm---winter-music-school-pkge.mp3

A side of Simon not widley known, until now...

I recall the first time Simon and I met five years ago... i was told two things before our meeting; Simon was a child prodigy with a remarkable talent for playing the piano, yet he was approachable and non-elitist. To me this seemed a little 'yin and yang', but upon meeting Simon I realised this was an apt description. Simon spoke of performing on the Opera House stage aged 9 and meeting and performing for Pavarotti aged 13, yet he was as equally excited to tell me about his shows at the local RSL's. So I wasn't surprised when Simon sent me a video of him performing in Cambodia, on a make-shift piano, swatting bugs in-between movements (see video below). This trip and performance was for one of the many charities that Simon is involved with.  

Here he spoke with The Australian newspaper about such charity work and what it means to him: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/simon-tedeschi-hearing-a-different-beat/story-e6frg8n6-1225885716673

Are we all just big kids playing games...?

Last week Yaeli Ohana spoke to Andrew Taylor, Culture Editor for The Sun Herald about the inspiration for her latest exhibition and her knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/playing-around-with-conflict-20100619-ynwp.html

And last night she opened her exhibition to great success - the gallery was filled with buzzing conversation and a number of happy people who snapped up one of Yaeli's amazing works.

Sydney-based artist Yaeli Ohana talks to AJN TV ahead of her opening...

Games We Play, Yaeli Ohana's latest exhibition, opens next Tuesday at NG Art Gallery and is definitely worth a look-see. Check out her Australian Jewish News TV interview below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4t0Y_IvGDI

 

 

Simon Tedeschi tackles Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.1

It's been over ten years since we’ve seen the virtuosic talents of Simon Tedeschi on-stage with the Sydney Symphony, but last night audiences once again had the opportunity to relish in Simon’s agility performing classical repertoire, when he performed Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.1, a work known for its comic undertones, juxtaposed with deep tragedy and vulnerability.

To read what the reviewers thought click below for

Cumberland Newspapers:

http://nine-to-five.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/mozart-and-the-happiness-quota/

Sydney Morning Herald:

http://newsstore.smh.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?multiview=true&sy=smh&page=1&kw=simon+tedeschi++&pb=smh&dt=selectRange&dr=week&so=relevance&sf=article&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&hids=&sids=SMH100612AO7L55IL19J

Pianist Simon Tedeschi returns to Sydney...

It was a flying visit back to Sydney, but I managed to squeeze every last minute out of Simon's schedule for talks with media, including a catch-up chat with  
2GB's Alan Jones. Click on this link to listen in: http://podcasts.2gb.com/alanjones/alanjonestedeschi030610.mp3

Below are articles in the (sydney) magazine and Sydney Morning Herald's GOOD WEEKEND magazine:

ASQ score a welcome review from The Australian

I always look forward to seeing the girls perform and this concert was especially exciting as it was my first time seeing them perform with baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes. Beautifully programed and expertly performed. The Australian newspaper seemed to agree:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/revamped-song-cycle-explores-new-heights/story-e6frg8po-1225872246017