June/July triumph, and baby makes four!

The response to the Masters of Melody tour from you, our audience, was obviously similar to our own - the music was incredible and inspiring, and how magical when it all comes together as it did. Thank you for your support and also for passing on so many lovely messages to Emma-Jane whose gorgeous little boy Sebastian was born just a week before the tour rehearsal week began. I am very glad Julian Smiles was available to tour with us - it was a pleasure to work with him again and all three of us enjoyed the experience very much.

Some reactions from the critics might be worth printing here and you can read the reviews in their entirety online at http://www.selbyandfriends.com.au/2008/articles.html:

"TRIOZ's Schubert interpretation also lived up to the first half's promise, the riches here more numerous. Selby's restraint in the C minor Andante gave both string contributors space to play without strain, notably in their resonant pizzicato work; a fine realisation of the composer's direct voice with attention given to all dynamic shadings. However, the players once again moved up several notches in their realisation of the third movement's trio - as definitively etched a picture as you could want of Schubert's ebullient honesty of expression." The Age, 4 July, 08

"Most memorable were a marvellously idiomatic performance of Dvorak’s evergreen Dumky Trio and an expansively dramatic reading of the final Allegro Molto of Schubert’s doom-laden, yet defiant Eb Trio Op.100. A hallmark of the new TRIOZ approach is their willingness to make space within a movement for quieter reflective moments. Fire and brimstone there may be, but during the breathless pianissimi in the Dumky, time seemed to stand still as passages moved to dark contemplations from frantic activity. Similarly in the Schubert, Smiles’s handling of the two highly charged, reminiscent returns of the Funeral March theme were delivered with moving simplicity and depth." Adelaide Advertiser, 2 July, 08

Kathryn Selby gave the opening Alegro of Mozart's Piano Trio in G major K.496 an unerring touch. It was beautifully phrased, but not over-phrased, with every note emerging crystal clear, in short, a model performance setting and exacting standard for her two colleagues. The violinist, Niki Vasilakis, and the cellist Julian Smiles, a stand-in for the regular ensemble member, Emma-Jane Murphy, took on the challenge with enthusiasm. Smiles is an old hand at chamber music, a member of the Australia Ensemble since 1991 and his contribution matched Selby's polish.

It was in the final work, Schubert's Piano Trio in E Flat Major, that the ensemble came together most emphatically. This abundant work, overflowing with wild melodies and reflection, drew out the best in each player. Vasilakis was strong in the singing legato of the second movement and in the breathless fun of the scherzo. The most magical moment, however, fell to the cello, with Smiles whispering out the final recapitulation of Schubert’s haunting cello melody like a distant memory." SMH, 3 July, 08

Americans to Visit

Just a small reminder of the next tour at the end of August which is fast approaching. This tour features the Parker String Quartet, a dynamic and brilliant ensemble resident in Boston. Their program is truly one filled with favourites and I hope you will join me in welcoming them to our shores.

Program

John Field - Piano Quintet in A flat major, H.34
Samuel Barber - Adagio for Strings, Op.11
György Ligeti - String Quartet No.2 (1968)
Antonin Dvorák - Piano Quintet in A major, Op.81

Dates

Saturday 30 August - Recital Room at Oxley College, Bowral - 5:30pm
Sunday 31 August - Elder Hall, University of Adelaide - 2:30pm
Monday 1 September - Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery, Canberra - 7:30pm
Tuesday 2 September - City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney - 7pm
Wednesday 3 September - Melba Hall, University of Melbourne - 8pm

Single tickets are available to all concerts. You can contact us on 02 9969 7039 or email info@selbyandfriends.com.au

For Sydney single tickets, please call City Recital Hall on 8256 2222 or go through their comprehensive website -http://www.cityrecitalhall.com/events/id/205/Selby-and-Friends-2008-Recital-Hall-Concert-Series.

In Adelaide, tickets may also be purchased through BASS.

A Little Lunch Music- JULY

Niki, Julian and I had a lot of fun at our last lunchtime concert presenting excerpts from the works we were to perform in the tour the following week. However, the next concert is very special - it highlights the talents of our brilliant young people around the city whose gifts are very hard to ignore. I have invited several high school students from St Andrews Cathedral School and Sydney Grammar to perform on the 22nd July at 12:30. These young people are inspiring and the breadth of their abilities, startling. I urge you to come along and see for yourselves a glimpse of the future - works for cello, oboe, double bass and voice will be showcased and I promise you will be uplifted by the experience. Tickets are $10 only and don't forget, you can bring your lunch! You can find out all details of these concerts by calling City Recital Hall on 8256 2222 or by visiting my website.

Sunday Afternoon in Turramurra

A quick update - the program has changed ever so slightly and I am awaiting the tickets in hand, so apologies to you if you have booked already. The tickets will be sent to you very shortly.

Program
Gabriel Fauré - Piano Trio in D minor, Op.120
Antonin Dvorák - Piano Trio No.4 in E minor Op. 90 'Dumky'
Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Piano Trio in A minor, Op.50

When: Sunday, 9 November, 2008
Time: 2:30pm
Where: Turramurra Uniting Church

      Turramurra Avenue right near Pacific Highway
      Modern and light filled; fully cushioned pews
      Free Council Carpark next to the Church entrance
      Turramurra train station only 100 metres away
      No Steps!

Tickets are Full price: $45, *Seniors price: $41, *Student/Pensioner: $34 *please include proof of concession status to receive discount

How can you book tickets?You can book tickets one of two ways:

1) simply call us on 02 9969 7039 to book tickets over the phone
2) or print out the ticket order form on the Turramurra tickets link on the website at www.selbyandfriends.com.au, and send it to me. The details of where to send it are on the form itself or you can use the details at the bottom of this newsletter too.

Till Next Time ...

Hope to see you at a concert soon.

warm regards

Kathy