Armidale joins world for orchestra performance

Armidale library patrons will be able to enjoy a live and free performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) at the same time as music lovers around the world, thanks to a live streaming event to celebrate international Make Music Day.

It will be one of several regional libraries participating in a global broadcast of the orchestra’s performance of Verdi’s Requiem on 21 June, live from the Sydney Opera House on Thursday 21 June from 6.30pm.

With the support of Create NSW, ABC Classics, Sydney Opera House Creative Learning, Music Australia and the Australian Music Association, the livestream will be the flagship event in Australia’s first participation in the worldwide music festivities.

Make Music Day, launched in France in 1982 as Fête de la Musique, has evolved into an annual global event involving 800 cities in 120 countries.

State Librarian Dr John Vallance welcomed the collaboration and expressed hope it would be the first of many, saying “public libraries across NSW are increasingly becoming cultural centres for their communities”.

Armidale War Memorial Library Manager Ian Greenhalgh said it was another exciting initiative for the local library to bring high-quality events and resources to the area.

“The Armidale Region prides itself on being a cultural hub and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performance, along with future live streaming events, will be fitting inclusions in the area’s cultural events calendar,” Mr Greenhalgh said. “The opportunity to be part of Make Music Day, joining music lovers around the globe, adds further excitement around the event.”

Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Verdi’s Requiem will be conducted by international opera and concert conductor Oleg Caetani and feature Angel Blue (soprano), Catherine Carby (mezzo-soprano), Diego Torre (tenor) and Jérôme Varnier (bass) as soloists and The Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

SSO Chief Executive Officer Emma Dunch the orchestra had always been passionate about removing barriers to music and making it accessible to everyone.

“Now, with the help of technology, we’re able to share music with even more people around the world,” she said.

A repeated screening of the performance will be also shown at the Armidale library on Friday 22 June at 10.30am.

Published on 19 Jun 2018