The Band of the Royal Military College returns to Llewellyn Hall for its Masterworks for Winds concert series.
Under the baton of Officer Commanding and Music Director, Major Matthew O’Keeffe, the band will perform five diverse yet brilliant masterworks for wind ensemble penned by leading international composers Philip Sparke and David Maslanka as well as Australian composers Katia Beaugeais, John Carmichael and the world renowned Percy Grainger.
John Carmichael is an Australian composer who now lives in the UK. One of the pioneers of the field of Music Therapy, he is also a prolific composer who is best known for his flamenco based Concierto Folklórico. His Phoenix Concerto for Flute was first performed by Sir James Galway in the Sydney Opera House and in this concert will be performed by Corporal Lisa McMahon. CPL McMahon, originally from Melbourne, has been posted to RMC Band for the last 4 years and in that time has performed all around the ACT and southern NSW, as well as internationally at Villers-Brettoneux in France and most recently as a featured soloist in the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland. She is excited to perform the work made famous by one of her musical heroes and to promote Australian composers to the Canberra community.
This concert will also feature the almost spiritual work First Light at Uluru by Katia Beaugeais. This piece is inspired by the spectacular sunrise over Uluru, one of Australia’s most famous icons. First Light at Uluru conveys the Aboriginal significance and sacred earth of Uluru. Brassy soundscapes and atmospheric wind sound effects depict the characteristic wind gusts of Uluru and symbolise the cultural significance and spiritual atmosphere of this powerful landmark. As the sun slowly rises, soft, dream-like melodies gradually build up to chorale-like passages, exploring the beautiful, lyrical sounds of the ensemble.
The Band of the Royal Military College has been a cornerstone of live concert performances in Canberra for over 60 years and whilst its role remains predominantly ceremonial, supporting various departments of the Defence Force and Government, the Band relishes all opportunities to showcase their talent and share the joy of music to members of the public throughout the year.
Supporting the Band for this series are students from the Australian National University School of Music.
“To help nurture the development of the next generation of leading musicians, we provide the opportunity to perform and demonstrate practical application of their study. The students are delighted to have the chance to learn and play with a professional ensemble which supports their development as musicians and we take our role in that very seriously” Major O’Keeffe says.
RMC Band promises to provide a sensory experience like no other and we encourage you to join us for what will be a wonderful event for all.
To ensure accessibility for all, entry to the event is via gold coin donation with all proceeds supporting Canberra Legacy. Ensure you book your seats today!
Program
Percy Grainger Colonial Song (1911)
John Carmichael Phoenix Concerto (1980)
Katia Beaugeais First Light at Uluru (2015)
Interval
Philip Sparke Music of the Spheres (2004)
David Maslanka Give Us This Day (2005)