The Marais Project
"A culture beauty of tone and a confidence that placed her among the viola da gambist worth going a long way to hear" – Sydney Morning Herald
Russell Harcourt, countertenor
Susie Bishop, voice and violin
Tommie Andersson, theorbo and guitar
Jennifer Eriksson, viola da gamba
Founded in 2000 by viola da gambist, Jennifer Eriksson, The Marais Project has a focus on the music of the baroque era with a particular emphasis on the works of their namesake, Marin Marais, a great viola da gambist and composer at the Court of Louis XIV, the so-called “Sun King.” In recent years the ensemble has expanded its repertoire to include music from the Australian colonial era and more recent works. Widely respected as one of Australia’s most creative chamber music ensembles, its members are recognised as leading artists in their respective fields. The Marais Project has toured in Australia and to New Zealand and appeared on ABC Radio National, ABC Radio Sydney and ABC Fine Music. They were Ensemble in Residence for Fine Music 102.5 in 2019/20. They have released ten albums.
Baroque and Beyond
Songs & interludes from across the globe!
One of Australia's finest early music groups presents music from the baroque and beyond! Wonderful songs and arias from the baroque era along with some more recent, gorgeous songs from Australia. Featuring internationally renowned countertenor, Russell Harcourt, with soprano/violinist Susie Bishop, lutenist/guitarist, Tommie Andersson and viola da gamba player, Jennifer Eriksson.
England
Henry Purcell (1659 - 1695): Sound the Trumpet
Michael Nyman (b. 1944): If (arranged by Jenifer Eriksson)
France
Anon (1703): J'avois crû qu'en vous aymant
Marin Marais (1656 - 1728): Musette 1& 2
Australia
Isaac Nathan (1790 – 1864): (Poems by Eliza Hamilton Dunlop) (arranged Tommie Andersson)
- The Aboriginal Mother
- The Aboriginal Father
Alice Chance (b. 1994): Precious Colours (Pallah-Pallah): (How the Opal came to be, as told by Auntie June Barker)
Carl Vine (b. 1954): Love me Sweet (arranged Tommie Andersson)
Interval
Germany
George Frideric Handel (1685 – 1759): Süße Stille, sanfte Quelle (HWV 205) - Meine Seele hort im Sehen (HWV 207)
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel (1690 - 1749): Bist du bei mir (arr. by J.S. Bach, BWV 508)
George Frideric Handel (1685 – 1759): Sorge nel petto (from Rinaldo)
Italy
Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583 - 1643): Così mi disprezzate
Claudio Monteverdi (1567 - 1643): Si dolce è il tormento - Quel sguardo sdegnosetto
Alessandro Piccinini (1566- 1638): Toccata - Chiaccona in partite variate
Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583 - 1643): Se l'aura spira
A program without interval is also available
Four performance chairs without arms
All artists are interested and available to do masterclasses and workshops.
February to April
October to November
Book an artist
Travel to centres in regional NSW is subsidised through the support of Create NSW. Musica Viva can book the artists, arrange all travel and accommodation, provide posters, flyers and program information.
If you are interested in bringing an ensemble to your town or city, please contact:
Sean Moloney
Manager, Special Projects & Regional Touring
02 8394 6662