Five female musicians will play the largely neglected early works of female composers to mark International Women’s Day at 185 Main Road, Wellington Point at 6.30pm on Friday, March 8.
The concert is one of a series of house events entitled A Classical Point of View being staged by Leanne Swanson. It pays tribute to repertoire by talented female composers whose abilities were downplayed in their time. Composers featured include Fanny Mendelssohn (sister to Felix Mendelssohn), Clara Schumann, Lili Boulanger, Peggy Glanville Hicks, Cecile Chaminade. Luis Adolpha Le Beau, Mel Bonis, Amy Beach and Louise Farrenc.
There will also be a premiere performance of a piece written for the event by Brisbane composer Tania Owens. Ms Owens will also attend the concert.
Ms Swanson said it was a coup to have the composer at the event and it would give audience members a chance to hear first hand her motivation and inspiration in writing the music.
“I am so excited to be offering this concert. This is what I studied in my final year of my degree and the pieces are delightful and often quite challenging,” Ms Swanson said.
“These women created music in societies where it was off limits to play this music in opera houses, universities, hotels and cathedrals and have it published. The music stretches the imagination and is relatively unplayed and unheard. I hope the audience just luxuriate in the wonderful works,” she said.
Performing is Ms Swanson on piano, Helen Lowe of Capalaba on flute, Camille Barry of Thornlands on violin, cellist Danielle Bentley and soprano Rosemarie Arthars of Wellington Point.
Tickets are $50 with $10 from every ticket sold to be donated to Maybanke Accommodation crisis support service for women and children affected by domestic violence.
Maybanke’s Rosemary Skelly said she was delighted that women’s music was able to support women in need. Currently Maybanke is looking to furnish two recently completed houses.
“I think this is the first time in the Redlands this has ever been done. We are helping today’s women by celebrating the forgotten music of classical composers and some new works from Australian composers. We hope to give these beautiful works a chance of reclaiming their rightful place within the canon of classical music,” Ms Swanson said.
Book on 0418 456 829 or harry@coffshardwoods.com.au The ticket price includes wine and cheese.