On Stage: Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s The Singing Violin

There was energy to burn on stage at Melbourne’s Recital Centre as Dmitry Sinkovsky joined forces with Paul Dyer and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.

Dyer is always extremely enthusiastic while Russian violinist and counter-tenor, Sinkovsky, is renowned for his exuberance and charisma.  Needless to say both men created a powerful force on stage, joined by an equally energetic orchestra.

While, given my lack of musical knowledge, I can’t comment on the technical presentation of the music,  to my `layman’s ears’ the end result sounded beautiful!

My companion for the night, who has far more knowledge, thought Sinkovsky’s playing exceptional. The program, which included music by Aubert, Telemann, Vivaldi, Leclair and Locatelli, allowed Sinkovsky to show his world renowned technical skill as well as his flamboyancy. The cheers were loudest for his presentation of Leclair’s Concerto for Violin in D Major Op7 No 2 and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Violin in E Minor Il Favorito.

One of three encore pieces – Handel’s  Dove sei from Rodelinda – highlighted Sinkovsky’s skills as a counter-tenor. It understandably earned a standing ovation from the audience.

After watching Sinkovsky in action it’s easy to understand why this concert series is named “The Singing Violin”. Both he and his 1675 Francesco Ruggeri violin `sing’!

There was also great audience enthusiasm for a couple of other pieces on the program with horn players Doree Dixon and Darryl Poulsen performing Vivaldi’s Concerto for two Horns. A highlight was Jamie Hey’s solo cello piece.

Watching the reaction of the orchestra to the music they are playing is always a highlight of ABO concerts and this performance was no exception.

Having presented a series of concerts in Sydney before arriving in Melbourne there seemed to be an excellent rapport between Sinkovsky and the orchestra. All the musicians looked as if they were enjoying themselves – a feeling that was also evident in the audience given the cheers and comments at the end of the concert.

The ABO is performing “The Singing Violin” at Brisbane’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday 8 August.  Visit the Australian Brandenburg website for more information.

*Photo credit: Steven Godbee.

Jenny Burns attended The Singing Violin on August 5 as a guest of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.

Visit travelswithjb.com.au-live shows for more show reviews.