Australian Haydn Ensemble Beethoven's Eighth - Performance + Talk

A CLASSIC MEETS HIS IMMORTAL BELOVED

Ah, those summer nights in Eastern Europe, 1812.

A week after Napoleon invades Russia, Ludwig van Beethoven almost certainly says “Yes,
tonight Josephine” to the love of his life, the unhappily married and recently jilted but
socially impossible match, Countess Jozefina Brunszvik. Three days later he pours forth - with the pencil (!) he souvenired from the tryst - the 10 little pages of hopeless devotion that have spawned thousands of pages of academic speculation. He hastily concludes in order to make the next post, then scrunches them in his pocket for the rest of his life.

This superb program revolves around the tantalizing enigma of the “Immortal Beloved” letters. Young Sydney composer Ella Macens, whose tender and expressive work with the Goldner and Flinders quartets has demonstrated a special affinity with chamber strings, embraces baroque tuning with a new commission inspired by Ludwig’s passionate declarations.

Exactly nine months after the clandestine Spa-town rendezvous, the countess bore a daughter that she christened Minona (hint: spell it backwards). No paternity mystery shrouds the other fruit of the encounter though, Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony, whose gestation period was considerably shorter. This utterly delightful homage to Haydn, so full of wit and musical slapstick, is light-years from the mindset of the letters, even though he started composing it then and there in the same hotel room.

Is that why he didn’t make it to the post office? Heard in the Ensemble’s by now familiar  “unplugged” style, it’s guaranteed to banish frustration and consternation to your back pockets too. 

Also on the bill, the remarkable rip-off that is the Fifth Symphony in D minor by Beethoven’s friend, pupil and long-suffering PA, Ferdinand Ries (written after his narrow escape from Bonaparte-ravished Russia, when fate led him to knock on the door of the London Philharmonic), and one of the first string sextets ever written, Boccherini’s Op. 23 No. 6 in F major. A sumptuous masterpiece that deserves classic status. 

Celebrate the onset of balmy evenings with this heady musical fling.

PROGRAM

FERDINAND RIES
Symphony No. 5 in D minor Op. 112 - 1st movement
(arr. Ries)

BOCCHERINI
String Sextet in F major, Op. 23 No. 6

ELLA MACENS
String Sextet (World Premiere - New Commission)

BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 8 in F major Op. 83
arr. F.W. Crouch (1821)

ARTISTS

Skye McIntosh Violin
Matthew Greco Violin
Karina Schmitz Viola
Nicole Divall Viola
Daniel Yeadon Cello
Pippa Macmillan Double Bass
Mikaela Oberg Flute

There will be talks integrated that will accompany the performance about the composition and the composer himself.

“..a jewel in the national period-instrument crown” Limelight

"Ravishing Sound... " Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★★ "balance, clear-sightedness and optimism" SMH

“..a young and engaged group” Sydney Morning Herald

"This elegant programme by the AHE was more than just music – it was a lesson rich in history as told in music. The playing, polished with an instinctive understanding of each other, was beautifully balanced, technically impressive and cohesive." Sounds Like Sydney

"...tight and attentive ensemble work and a lovely singing tone from McIntosh’s lead fiddle." Daily Telegraph

TICKETS

General Admission $60 (plus $4.84 booking fee)

Lake Mac Arts Member $54 (plus $4.49 booking fee)

Not a member? Find out more here: Join here: Lake Mac Arts membership - Lake Macquarie Arts

Tickets available at the door subject to availability.

Please note there is no need to print your tickets for this event, staff can provide an electronic check in at the door.

VENUE INFORMATION

PARKING

Parking is available in designated areas surrounding the venue, including two accessible parking spaces in front of the theatre.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible access to Rathmines Theatre is available via the ramp on the lake side of the theatre. There are two accessible parking spaces in front of the theatre. There is one accessible unisex toilet (right-hand transfer), and one accessible male toilet (ambulant).

HEARING LOOP

A Hearing Loop is available in the theatre. To receive the signal directly a patron can switch their hearing aid or cochlear implant process to the T Switch, or Telecoil position.

ACCESSIBLE SEATING

Accessible seating is available inside the theatre. Please indicate when booking your tickets or contact the theatre on 02 4921 0400 or email artsculture&tourisminfo@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

DRINKS AND SNACKS

Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Please note, Rathmines Theatre is an EFTPOS only venue.

This event may be photographed and filmed and your image could be used in advertising and promotion by Lake Macquarie City Council. Should you wish to not be photographed or filmed please advise event organisers on entry at the event.

Learn more about Lake Mac: Visit Lake Macquarie | Love the Lake

This performance is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.