Transformations
In this stunning program, Van Diemen's Band and bass-baritone Andrew O’Connor perform a program of sacred and secular works from 17th Century northern Germany and Venice, alongside new Australian works specially commissioned for this collaboration.
This gloriously expressive repertoire, characterised by rich harmonies and playful dialogue, is the perfect medium to showcase the beauty of the baritone voice.
Set in the soaring acoustic of St Canice's, this concert features not one but TWO settings of Psalm 57 - Mein Herz ist Bereit (My heart is steadfast) - by Nicolaus Bruhns and Dieterich Buxtehude (the composer that JS Bach famously walked over 400 kilometres to Lübeck to see perform), plus two new works by Australian composers Alice Chance and Brooke Shelley.
About the artists
ANDREW O'CONNOR, BASS-BARITONE
For more than a decade Perth-born Andrew O’Connor has maintained a busy freelance career encompassing opera, the concert platform, vocal chamber music, and the classroom.
Praised for his 'remarkable musicianship' (Limelight Magazine) and 'textured, fine-wine bass baritone' (ArtsHub) he appears regularly with many of Australia's leading music organisations.
Formerly a permanent member of The Song Company from 2015-2019, he is a Lay Clerk at St Mary's Cathedral, was an Associate Artist with Pacific Opera in 2019, and winner of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Prize in 2020. In 2022 he made his international debut with the VOCES8 Foundation and in 2023 joined the American Bach Soloists Academy in San Francisco.
In 2024 Andrew made solo debuts with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra singing Handel's Messiah and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra singing the world premiere of Katy Abbott's Hidden Thoughts III: Stories of Awe.
Other recent projects included the entirety of Pinchgut Opera's 2024 Season including the role of Achilla in Handel's Giulio Cesare, three projects with The Song Company as part of their 40th Anniversary Season, further touring, recording, and creative development with AVÉ – Australian Vocal Ensemble, and numerous projects with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Bach Akademie Australia, Salut! Baroque, Moorambilla Voices and more.
VAN DIEMEN'S BAND
Based in the wild and unspoiled island state of Lutruwita/Tasmania at the southernmost tip of Australia, ‘Australia’s Baroque supergroup’ Van Diemen’s Band breathes new life into historically-informed performance, delivering extraordinary performances across Lutruwita/Tasmania and beyond.
Founded in 2016 by violinist Julia Fredersdorff, VDB varies in size from an intimate chamber group to a larger orchestra and comprises some of the country’s most highly respected early music specialists. Always seeking to break new ground, VDB has collaborated with guest artists such as French Baroque specialist Martin Gester, Persian/Afghani musicians Ensemble Kaboul and Tasmanian mandolin player Luke Plumb.
VDB is an active concert presenter in Lutruwita/Tasmania and delivers a range of education and community engagement programs each year.
Partners
| Soloist | Andrew O'Connor, bass baritone |
| Van Diemen's Band | Julia Fredersdorff, Artistic Director & Baroque violin Simone Slattery, Baroque violin Karina Schmitz, Baroque viola Katie Yap , Baroque viola Laura Vaughan, viola da gamba Simon Martyn-Ellis, theorbo Donald Nicolson, organ & harpsichord Thomas Wilson, organ Sim Walters, dulcian Matthew Manchester, cornetto Nigel Crocker, Brett Page, sackbuts |
Event and ticketing details
Tickets
| Premium | $59.00 Front 5 rows |
| Standard Seating - Full price | $55.00 |
| Standard Seating - Concession | $49.00 |
| $30 under 30 | $30.00 Limited availability |
| Child 12 and under | $25.00 |
| Concession Card Holder | Free |