Pinchgut Opera | Concertos and Sonatas

28 March, 2026, City Recital Hall, Sydney, NSW

Program:
Georg Philipp Telemann – Sonata à 4 in A major, TWV 40:200
Johann Friedrich Fasch – Lute Concerto in D minor, FaWV L:d1
Georg Philipp Telemann – Sonata à 5 in E minor, TWV 44:5
Johann Sebastian Bach – Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041
Georg Philipp Telemann – Sonata à 6 in G minor, TWV 44:33
Johann Sebastian Bach – Harpsichord Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052
Georg Philipp Telemann – Sonata à 6 in B-flat major, TWV 44:34

No one can provide a better immersive experience showcasing the famous concertos of J.S. Bach and the rare sonatas in 5 parts of Georg Philipp Telemann. A thrilling opening for Pinchgut Opera with the spotlight illuminating the artistry of the indomitable Orchestra of the Antipodes whose mastery brings every note and phrase to life with vitality and elegance.

The program also highlighted dazzling solo moments from Erin Helyard and Matthew Greco in Bach’s concertos, encapsulating the magic and virtuosity of the expressive power of Baroque. There’s a celebration in the inner sanctum of Telemann’s masterly five-part counterpoint and Bach’s innate command of the concerto that’s intimate, expressive and structurally refined. These works illuminate the contrasting genius of two of the era’s most revered composers, whose works unfold with emotional clarity while quietly intensive. This is what pure sound brings.

At the concert’s core are two mesmerising Bach concertos that usher in Erin Helyard’s mastery of the Harpsichord Concerto in D minor, while acclaimed Baroque violinist Matthew Greco brilliantly thrills in the Violin Concerto in A minor showcasing the concept of less being more. Greco reflected on learning Bach’s Violin Concerto as a student at the age of 14 and his love for the romance of Baroque music.

Telemann’s remarkable five-part sonatas add lyricism, elegance with intricate counterpoint offering sublime rhythms alive with movement and vitality. Each musician brings this vibrant repertoire into focus with clarity, intimacy and expressive power. There’s a harmony in the strong spirit of revelry and collaboration at the heart of the music. This is Baroque music at its most adventurous celebrating energy, brilliance and the thrill of musical discovery. Each musician is in effect, a soloist while a part of the wider ensemble.

Johann Sebastian Bach remains for many musicians the “Alpha and Omega of all music”. Except for operas, Bach composed masterpieces for every ensemble and genre of his age, his catalogue contains almost a 1000 entries, including the Passion of St. Matthew, the Goldberg Variations, and the Brandenburg Concertos. His later, contrapuntally complex compositions exerted enormous influence on the compositional style, and practices of later generations. His Violin Concerto No.1 in A minor (BWV1041) is a work for solo violin and orchestra consisting of three movements (quick-slow-quick). His first Concerto in A minor is perhaps the most popular – not least for its jaunty outer movement and the forceful solo part.

Telemann’s sonatas for five and six parts reflect the influence of Vivaldi, Marcello and Albinoni. His early Sonata a 5 and Sonata a 6 – scored for two violins, two violas and bass and the reedy sound of Violone. Telemann’s sonatas employ a tenor viola, a larger and deeper instrument than the more familiar alto viola – creating a rich inner texture between violins and bass. In this performance Rafael Font plays brilliantly a copy of a tenor viola by the Australian maker Simon Brown. The Orchestra of the Antipodes performed one-to-part, each musician bringing this vibrant repertoire into focus with thrilling clarity and emotional power. The dexterity of Simon Martyn-Ellis on display playing the eight-foot theorbo, whose clarity and articulation give the bass line both weight and agility. The performance with the grounding resonance of the basso continuo fielding violone, harpsichord and gallichon, heard together made it the most sublime connection for the audience. Brilliant event, the applause was thunderous.

Photo Credit Anna Kucera