A clarinet melody, rising like the sun from shimmering strings. Five of Australia’s most brilliant musicians. Works beloved and new, illuminated by the sunrise.
ARCO’s ‘First Light’ takes in a sweep of classical brilliance, from sparkling Mozart to playful Schubert, and the new ocean-inspired Wavelength quintet by Brisbane composer Nicole Murphy. At the pinnacle is Haydn’s ‘Sunrise’ quartet in a sparkling 18th-century clarinet arrangement by Vincenzo Gambaro, an Italian clarinetist and entrepreneur who arranged pieces by his friends Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart to highlight the clarinet’s lush tones.
‘First Light’ brings five principals from the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra into the intimacy of chamber music, including co-artistic directors and long-time musical friends Rachael Beesley (violin) and Nicole van Bruggen (clarinet). They’re joined by Alison Rayner (violin), Stephen King (viola) and Natasha Kraemer (cello) – all nationally and internationally acclaimed experts in historically informed performance.
Bask in the luminous sonorities of rare historic instruments. Connect deeply with emotions. Experience ‘First Light.’
“The best HIPsters under the Southern Cross.”
Presented by MusicA Viva in the regions.
With grateful thanks to our local presenting partners: New England Conservatorium, Glasshouse Theatre and Tamworth Regional Conservatorium.
Photo: Nick Gilbert
WAVELENGTH - NICOLE MURPHY
In 2024 ARCO commissioned a brand-new piece by Brisbane composer Nicole Murphy, for historical strings and basset clarinet. There are only two of these instruments in Australia, and this is the first piece written for it since Mozart’s time!
‘Wavelength’ was inspired by the ocean, its gorgeous shades of blue and green, the waves of light that produce it and sound waves that create music.
ARTISTS
Members of Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra
Nicole van Bruggen | Clarinet
Rachael Beesley | Violin
Alison Rayner | Violin
Stephen King | Viola
Natasha Kraemer | Cello
PROGRAM
HAYDN/GAMBARO Clarinet Quartet No.1 in B flat major
MOZART Larghetto from Clarinet Quintet in A major, K.581
SCHUBERT String Quartet No.7 in D major, D.94
NICOLE MURPHY Wavelength for historical basset clarinet and string quartet (2024 ARCO commission)
Mozart’s clarinet
Looking like an extra-long clarinet, the basset clarinet was an invention by three friends: Wolfgang Mozart, clarinet virtuoso Anton Stadler, and instrument maker Theodore Lotz. A long, bulbous section adds four lower chromatic notes - and a big juicy sound - to the range of an ordinary clarinet.
But soon after Mozart wrote his beautiful Clarinet Quintet, the instrument was lost to history - until recently. Hear the story at our concerts!
Natasha Kraemer, cello. Photo: Nick Gilbert
NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORIUM of MUSIC, ARMIDALE
Thursday 5 March | 7.00pm
Faulkner St, Armidale NSW 2350
GLASSHOUSE THEATRE, PORT MACQUARIE
Friday 6 March | 7.00pm
30-42 Clarence Street &, Hay St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Stephen King, viola. Photo: Robert Catto
TAMWORTH REGIONAL CONSERVATORIUM
Saturday 7 March | 7.00pm
223/227 Marius St, Tamworth NSW 2340
Rachael Beesley and Alison Rayner, violin. Photo: Robert Catto
Photo: Nick Gilbert