España

The Melbourne Musicians directed by Frank U. Pam present a program of Spanish music by various composers. Most of the pieces are premieres or rare performances. The centrepiece is de Falla’s Seven Spanish Folksongs in a specially commissioned arrangement for chamber orchestra, sung by exciting young soprano Rada Tochalna. This is de Falla’s most arranged composition and one of his most popular. It is one of the most frequently performed sets of Spanish art songs.The songs are strikingly diverse, coming from different parts of Spain, but all deal with love and courtship, whether playfully, seriously or tragically.    The concert concludes with 3 iconic pieces in honour of the 90th birthday of George Dreyfus.

Albeniz – Asturias and Sevilla from Suite Española.                                                                                                                                                           Bizet – Suite from Carmen                                                                                                                                                                                                 de Falla –  Seven Spanish Folksongs                                                                                                                                                                              Waldteufel – España Waltz                                                                                                                                                                                        Shostakovich – Spanish Dance                                                                                                                                                                                         Dreyfus – Tender Mercies; Larino Safe Haven; Rush