Artistic Director Welcome

Lilly Bollinger said she drank champagne when she was happy or sad, alone or in company, hungry or sated. Great music is not like that: it needs occasion and pace, context and reflection. This is why the Morning Masters series works so well, since an hour of exquisite music before lunchtime is one of life’s greatest joys.

This year the Sydney Morning Masters series highlights an astonishing array of artists, each addressing the simple question: if you had 50 minutes to show us who you are as a musician and the possibilities of your instrument, what would you play?

Flautist Josh Batty made a great name for himself in London before coming to Australia, teaming up here with vivacious collaborator, Emily Granger. Alexandra Oomens and Erin Helyard bring their seemingly effortless historical expertise to a delightful recital for voice and fortepiano. Harry Bennetts is a stylish and authoritative soloist, here performing a virtuoso program with well-matched pianist Vatche Jambazian.

Bernadette Harvey is a jewel in Australia’s musical crown; it is a delight both to program her trio (which includes Lerida Delbridge and Miles Mullin-Chivers) and to premiere a new work by Donald Hollier, a composer with whom Bernadette has great affinity. And Sonya Lifschitz is always worth sitting up and listening to, but especially in this exquisite piano recital.

Viva 2021! 

Paul Kildea

Sydney Morning Masters is supported by Dixon Advisory and the Wenkart Foundation.

View the full Sydney Morning Masters 2021 Season.