Virtuosity and curiosity at the frontiers of the Baroque. Twenty years after first making music together, two kindred spirits reunite to open Musica Viva Australia’s 2027 Season. Celebrated French harpsichordist Bertrand Cuiller makes his Australian debut, joining Julia Fredersdorff and Van Diemen's Band, her acclaimed ensemble of Baroque adventurers.
This program traces a vibrant web of musical exchange, shaped by the flow of composers and scores between Europe's cultural capitals. At its heart is Bach's Harpsichord Concerto in D minor, fizzing with brilliant keyboard writing. Its three movements become pillars around which music from the courts and theatres of 17th-century England swirls: the sparkle of Purcell, the ceremony of Handel, the shadowy wit of Locke. Rare gems from Picforth, Brade and Schop, and a new work from Jane Sheldon, inspired by Byrd, transport us to the furthest corners of a rich and unexpected musical world.
‘Intimate, dazzling and full of wonder.’ — BBC Classical Music Magazine
‘Performances of the highest calibre and an infectiously enthusiastic stage presence.’ — Sydney Morning Herald
‘Cuiller is a master of the ebb and flow of harpsichord sound.’ — The Observer
Artists
Van Diemen's Band
Julia Fredersdorff Artistic Director
Bertrand Cuiller harpsichord
Program
LOCKE Consort of Four Parts, No. 1: Fantazie
JS BACH Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 1052
PICFORTH In Nomine a 5, MB 57
BRADE Uppsala Düben Collection: I. Coral
PURCELL Curtain Tune from Timon of Athens
HANDEL Water Music HWV 350 (selections)
Donald NICOLSON (after Schop & Dowland) Lachrimae
LOCKE Music from The Tempest (selections)
Jane SHELDON New work*
*World premiere performances. Commissioned for Musica Viva Australia
With special thanks
Special thanks to Musica Viva Australia Ensemble Patrons Ian Dickson AM and Reg Holloway for their generous support of this tour.