Joyful Haydn
The Gryphon Baryton Trio brings together three exceptional players who love exploring the corners of musical history. The baryton is a beautiful instrument a little like a cello, with six bowed strings plus ten wire strings which resonate sympathetically, and are also plucked like a harp. The delightful baryton was most popular during the time of composer Joseph Haydn, who left us with a very large body of music for it, now rarely heard.
This concert is a rare chance to hear some of the fascinating chamber works by Joseph Haydn for baryton, performed as he intended. The magnificent baryton, an instrument similar to a bass viola or cello, but with an extra set of metal sympathetic strings, was much favoured by Haydn’s employer, Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy. The commission of a new baryton in 2023, the only instrument of its kind in Australia, enables the Gryphon Baryton Trio to share this very special music – full of invention, colour and Haydn’s trademark humour and wit.
Alongside its historical charm, the Gryphon Baryton Trio’s music carries an intimate, almost conversational warmth. The interplay between the three instruments creates a shimmering tapestry of sound—from the baryton’s glowing resonance to the viola’s lyrical lines and the cello’s deep, expressive foundation. Their performances balance precision with spontaneity, inviting listeners into a sound world that feels both centuries-old and vividly alive in the moment.
LAURA VAUGHAN baritone
KATIE YAP viola
JOSEPHINE VAINS cello
Partners
Laura Vaughan is a dynamic member of the early music movement in Australia, playing viola da gamba, violone, lirone and baryton with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Orchestra of the Antipodes, Genesis Baroque, Van Diemen’s Band, Adelaide Baroque, Latitude 37 and many others. Passionate about the unique sound world of the viol, Laura is committed to bringing this exquisite repertoire to audiences around the world.
Playing both modern and historical violas, Katie Yap appears regularly with Australia’s finest ensembles including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Van Diemen's Band, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian World Orchestra, and Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, and has performed with the Academy of Ancient Music. Her greatest love is chamber music and Katie is fascinated by music’s ability to tell stories and bring people together. Katie is a Musica Viva Australia FutureMaker and was the 2022 Freedman Fellow. Her artistic practice explores folk, baroque, and new music styles, and her life-long fascination with improvisation.
Josephine Vains is a versatile and engaging performer, heard regularly in concert around Australia and overseas as a cellist and chamber musician. She has worked with a myriad of artists on diverse projects, and is a passionate educator. Josephine performs with Firebird Trio, Accademia Arcadia, Genesis Baroque, Gryphon Baryton Trio, CellOZ, and Ensemble Old and New (EON), amongst many others. |
Presenting Partners Orange Chamber Music Festival, Four Winds |
