The Australian Youth Orchestra nominated for 2009 Helpmann Award
30 June 2009
The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) and conductor John Nelson have been nominated for a 2009 Helpmann Award in the category of Best Symphony Orchestra Concert for their performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and Piano Concerto No. 5 at the 2008 Beethoven Festival.
Internationally renowned pianist Herbert Schuch has also been nominated for Best Individual Classical Music Performance for his role as soloist at the 2008 Beethoven Festival.
The news comes just weeks out from the opening of the second and final instalment of this exciting program which will see the AYO complete Beethoven’s full cycle of symphonies and piano concertos, presented with the Adelaide Festival Centre in association with the State Opera of South Australia.
The Helpmann Awards recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the many disciplines of Australia's vibrant live performance sectors. The 2009 Helpmann Awards Ceremony will be held on Monday 27 July at 6.30pm at Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
Click here for the full list of nominees and more details on the Helpmann Awards.
After the phenomenal success of the 2008 Festival, In 2009 the Australian Youth Orchestra will reunite with Grammy-award winning conductor John Nelson and international piano sensation Herbert Schuch to complete the Beethoven Cycle of symphonies and piano concertos in the Festival Theatre from 23 – 25 July.
“Three weeks of rehearsals under American conductor John Nelson resulted in a first instalment that can only be described as an astonishing success……..one can hardly wait for the next year when the AYO completes the cycle.” The Australian
Conductor John Nelson (USA) is one of the world’s most versatile and accomplished conductors and has conducted orchestras the world over. “John Nelson inspired his young charges with unbounded enthusiasm to extract the very best performance out of every one.” Independent Weekly (Beethoven Festival 2008)
European soloist Herbert Schuch (Germany) is one of the most talented pianists of his generation, having won three international piano competitions in a single year, the Casagrande Competition in Italy, the London International Piano Competition and the International Beethoven Competition in Vienna. “Herbert Schuch was able to give it [Concerto No. 4 in G] an interpretation of white-hot emotional intensity coupled with pure, limpid classical tone qualities, a rare combination that proved utterly compelling.” The Advertiser (Beethoven Festival 2008)
The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) has a reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious and innovative training organisations and its flagship ensemble, which regularly tours internationally is recognised as one of the country’s finest. Each year the best young musicians under 25 are selected from nearly 1000 applicants in auditions held across the country.
The Festival culminates with Beethoven’s famous Symphony No. 9 featuring the chorus and soloists from the State Opera of South Australia, including Aivale Cole, Elizabeth Campbell, Henry Choo & Douglas McNicol, joined by Chorus Master Timothy Sexton and members of the Adelaide Philharmonia Chorus in what promises to be an unforgettable finale for the Beethoven series of concerts.
The following works will be performed at this year’s Festival:
Thursday 23 July – Symphony No.1 in C major, Op.21, Piano Concerto No.2 in B? major, Op.19, Symphony No.6 in F major, Op.68, Pastoral
Friday 24 July – Symphony No.2 in D major, Op.36, Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37, Symphony No.7 in A major, Op. 92
Saturday 25 July – Symphony No.8 in F Major, Op.93, Symphony No.9 in D minor, Op.125, Choral
Born in Bonn, Germany, Ludwig van Beethoven was an important figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music and remains one of the most famous and influential musicians of all time. Beethoven suffered from gradual hearing loss beginning in his twenties. He nonetheless continued to compose masterpieces and to conduct and perform, even after he was completely deaf. It is this genius that makes Beethoven’s work all the more extraordinary.
FREE pre-performance talks will be presented by Timothy Sexton and held at 7pm in the Piano Bar on each of the three nights.
The Beethoven Festival
Festival Theatre, Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 July, 8pm
Premium $75 / Adults $60 / $45 / $30, Concession $54 / $39 / $25, Groups $55 / $35 / $20 (6 or more tickets)
Bookings at BASS on 131 246 or online at www.bass.net.au
For photos and for interview opportunities please contact: Petrina Egan – Publicist (08) 8216 8699 or 0423 324 288
Email: petrina.egan@adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au