By Lucy Evangelista
It was such a pleasure to experience the Casey Chamber musicians at Bunjil Place.
Having enjoyed their earlier performances, it was thrilling to see them well attended in this new space at the Casey ARC. What a spectacular cultural asset for the people of Casey.
The suite of performances brought to life the skills, movement and diversity of this talented group.
The program which featured Schubert and Australian composer David Urquhart-Jones enthralled the audience.
The trio for clarinet, violin and piano was vibrant and lively.
The performances of Shubert were animated by the interaction of the artists.
They demonstrated a conjunction and familiarity known to musicians who’ve played together for a life time.
The synchronicity of the clarinet and violin wove in and out of a lively interplay.
A thrilling classical dialogue that showcased extraordinary talent and belied the ensemble’s relatively recent formation.
Arias performed by the exceptionally gifted Anna Margolis were breathtaking.
Accompanied by Morna Hu on piano, she performed Schubert’s Shepherd on the Rock.
Anna’s ability to execute the crescendo bringing the Allegretto to its close, was so moving as to set tears in my eyes.
The brief pause that followed formed a moment for the brilliance of Anna’s voice to resonate.
Then it was time to delight in the reverie of piu mosso, a transition that celebrated this performer’s versatility and the playfulness of Shubert’s composition. From tears one moment, I was quickly set (quietly) giggling in joy.
The Casey Chamber musicians, along with their orchestral counterpart the Casey Philharmonic, are a credit to the Casey ARC and to the communities of Casey.
At a performance of the philharmonic in July it was fabulous to hear a chap who’d lived in the community for 60 years, announce it “the best event I’ve ever been to around here!”
I get why. Last Sunday’s performance of the chamber musicians sets an exceptional standard of performance for Casey, one which indicates that local audiences are poised to be enthralled for many performances now and into the years to come.
It is wonderful that local artists of the calibre of the chamber musicians have a space to shine at Bunjil place.
My commendations to the Casey Chamber musicians. It was an absolute indulgence to be part of their audience, an experience that will resonate with me for years to come.
I cannot wait for their March performance nor for next performance of the Casey Philharmonic at Bunjil Place at 7pm on 9 December 2017.
With the momentum building among audiences, I’ll be securing tickets ASAP as they will surely sell quickly.
