Praised by ABC Classic for possessing a ‘pure, pitch perfect, silvery soprano’ that’s ‘instantly recognisable’, acclaimed soprano Sara Macliver will return to the Perth stage for Musica Viva. Alongside her in this Baroque spectacle is renowned organist and director Joseph Nolan, the St George’s Cathedral Consort, and trumpeter Jenny Coleman.

British-Australian organist and choral conductor Nolan opens the programme with Bach’s virtuosic organ showpiece ‘Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV565’. Praised by Gramophone magazine for his ‘towering technique, vivid virtuosity and inspired interpretive insight’, he’s built a formidable reputation as a recording artist, producing over ten solo discs for Signum Records. Acclaimed Soprano Sara Mcliver will then join the stage for a range of vocal showpieces, demonstrating why she’s earned a reputation as one of the leading exponents of Baroque performance. Both will be supported by the St George’s Cathedral Consort, recognised as Western Australia’s premier mixed-voice choir.

Since Handel’s music was embraced by the upper echelons of British society in the eighteenth century, his music has scored the grandest celebrations, unifying audiences in its power to elevate and inspire. Among a rich catalogue of masterpieces, his ‘Eternal Source of Light Divine’ is regarded as one of his most inspired works, with its pristine vocal melody, accompanying sustained chords, and glistening trumpet obbligato creating a moment of ravishing beauty. Paired with the power of Bach, and serene selections from Renaissance masters, we welcome you to reconnect with our Musica Viva community, in a programme of music that will inspire and uplift.

Download the concert guide here.

For those who miss out on tickets or would prefer to enjoy live Baroque music performed by some of Australia’s finest musicians from the comfort of their own home, we will be offering a live streamed version of our Sydney 16 November concert. ARIA-nominated harpsichordist Erin Helyard and Baritone David Greco unite on stage to perform a stunning program of Baroque gems. Joined by a line-up of leading period instrument musicians, be uplifted and inspired by a program of Bach, Handel, Biber and more, live streamed straight to your living room. Find out more here.
 

PERFORMERS

Sara Macliver soprano
Joseph Nolan organ
St George’s Cathedral Consort
Jennifer Coleman trumpet
Shaun Lee-Chen violin
Zak Rowntree violin
Noeleen Wright cello

PROGRAM

JS BACH Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV565
HANDEL Eternal Source of Light Divine
BYRD Sing Joyfully
LOBO Versa est in Luctum
PARSONS Ave Maria
HANDEL Gloria
HANDEL O praise the Lord with one consent, ‘Chandos Anthem no 9’ (Excerpts)
HANDEL ‘Let the Bright Seraphim’ from Samson

PROGRAM TIMINGS

65 minutes
Please note that there will not be an interval