Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact
Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact

Benaud Trio: Seasons

by Julie McErlain 27th July, 2022
by Julie McErlain 27th July, 2022

Formed in Melbourne in 2005, Benaud Trio is one of Australia’s best-loved trios – a national treasure, a legendary icon and a popular favourite ensemble at Australian music festivals and with ABC radio audiences. Lachlan Bramble, violin, Ewen Bramble, cello, and Amir Farid, piano, are outstanding soloists, orchestral and chamber musicians, who have added new colours and tonal dimensions to a broad and popular trio repertoire, as well as regularly commissioning new music from internationally acclaimed and prominent Australian composers.

Benaud Trio received a very hearty welcome as they entered the Primrose Potter Salon, the affectionate greeting adding to the intimacy and warm ambience of this colourful performance venue.

Lachlan introduced the program by sharing his delight that composer Mark Isaacs was present to hear his work, Closer, commissioned by Benaud Trio and opening this program. Lachlan made the interesting point that once it was fashionable to swing classical music across into the jazz world, but today Isaacs had uniquely taken the opposite path and re-styled his original jazz quintet to a classical instrumentation. It is frequently said by many and varied listeners, that Isaacs’ music “touches the heart”.

It does. Unique in style, Isaacs’ classical lyricism is unusually framed in extended chromatic harmonic shifts and cross-rhythms. Very rich, slightly syncopated piano chords first led the way with glorious dense “jazz” harmonies, orchestrally luxurious, with cello first announcing a compelling falling two-note motif then building architectural strength, with violin echoes and sweet melodic responses. Dreams, colour, nostalgia and beauty added to the firmness of hope in this strong, gentle and intelligently designed music, highly appreciated by the audience.

Ewen Bramble’s gorgeous long, low, sustained cello tones began Luke Altmann’s Holy Fools before small two-note piano intervals, dropping like pearls, lulled us into a different dream world. Loosely described as minimalism (affectionately as “Chamber Chill”), the repeated two-note pattern kept simple time like a pendulum, rocking slowly through time, shifting in pitch, with hypnotic outlines of varied instrumental colours producing a lightly textured translucent movement, simple and calming. We had a glimpse of the influence of Arvo Part’s writing for piano and cello, or a nostalgic taste of Webern’s Five Pieces for Orchestra with abstract design, dispersed single tones, colour and heavenly spaciousness. As we excitedly see images from a new and distant outer space beamed back to earth from the recently launched James Webb telescope, so were we taken musically to a place light years away. Lachlan’s exquisite playing of extremely high-pitched notes on the violin were sustained with admirable accuracy, pitch and balance.

How special to celebrate these engaging and captivating two Australian works with their composers present, performed by this Trio with great sensitivity, balance and tonal language.

The title for this program – “Seasons” – was made clear with the arrival of Astor Piazzolla and Las Cuatro Estaciones Portenas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires). Seasonal tangos. This time the composer was not present, but his spirit certainly was. Shades of orange and red sensual backlighting infused the aura created by the lusty tangos of Summer. Strong romantic leadership came from Lachlan’s hugely expressive high melodies. Amir Farid’s vibrant orchestral accompaniment produced exuberance and pianistic flair in strong descending glissandos following the dancers’ movements. Autumn continued to be an up-tempo tango, featuring Ewen’s cello in most expressive double stopping with splendid celestial glissandos. The opening of Winter suggested brooding shadows and dimmed lights as the dance progressed and warmed up through seemingly disparate sections. Contrasting sections on solo piano, with extravagant chromatic cadenzas and fine violin solos featured. An intriguing wintry ending revealed timbres akin to Christmas bells, before a joyful arrival of Spring gave us lively impulsion, energy and magnificent string playing from the Bramble Brothers. Percussive piano chords and driving rhythms allowed all players to increase the passionate voice of the tango in these virtuosic R-rated orchestrations so well-loved by Piazzolla’s followers. This new arrangement (re-arranged without electric guitar and bandonion by Piazzolla’s cellist Jose Bragato) drew excited and boisterous applause for Benaud Trio’s very fresh and exciting repertoire. 

Being “well-known for their outrageous pop-inspired encores”, (chiefly arranged by Nicholas Buc, Australian conductor and composer with much pizazz and achievement) Benaud Trio returned to centre stage for our expected surprise. We were briefly calmed with the beauty of the popular Adagio theme from Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, but just briefly, as the music developed into an innovative and animated colourful close to this exceptionally enjoyable program.

___________________________________________________________

Julie McErlain reviewed “Seasons”, performed by Benaud Trio at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Primrose Potter Salon on July 23, 2022.

Benaud Trio
0
FacebookTwitterLinkedinEmail
Julie McErlain

Julie McErlain has a passionate love of and involvement with many kinds of music. Classically trained, she completed a bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne with Honours in Piano and Composition, also studying oboe, percussion and guitar, and completing a sub-major in English. She supported herself as a student playing at Ballet Victoria and Australian Ballet schools, in musical theatre groups and in the wider entertainment industry as a solo pianist, and in a wide variety of classical, popular, folk and jazz ensembles. She has an active involvement in performing regularly in classical music concerts, jazz and contemporary music, also playing the saxophone and creating the first Women & Jazz festival and workshop series in Melbourne in 1981. Always a music teacher, conductor, concert and festival goer, Julie was Music Concert Reviewer for the Warrnambool STANDARD for three years, covering all styles of major music performances, promoting local music and reviewing major Australian artists and companies. She loves having the opportunity to hear new music, be inspired and challenged to use her creative writing skills, and contribute to promoting unique musical performances.

previous post
ADCH: Timothy Young – Mysticism and Pictures
next post
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Shining Strings

Events Calendar

Loading view.
  • December 2023

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

0 events, 27

2 events, 28

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tristan Lee – Between Heart & Head

November 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tristan Lee – Between Heart & Head

Conflicts of human nature unleashed through captivating Romantic piano masterpieces. Embark on a captivating journey as acclaimed pianist Tristan Lee, delves…

$30 – $37
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Wildschut and Brauss

November 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Wildschut and Brauss

Two European stars in the making, and two exquisite soloists – violinist Noa Wildschut and pianist Elisabeth Brauss perform a grand…

$40 – $158

1 event, 29

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

LGT Young Soloists

November 29 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

LGT Young Soloists

The Young Soloists unites highly talented award-winning young virtuosos from over 20 nations. Among their many groundbreaking successes, Young Soloists are…

$10

3 events, 30

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Syzygy Ensemble – Joy Ride

November 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Syzygy Ensemble – Joy Ride

Don’t we all just want to be happy? In their second series installment Syzygy invites listeners to strap in for an…

$30 – $37
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

November 30 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

Presented by BK Opera Melbourne independent opera company BK Opera presents Befreit, an opera inspired recital at the Eleventh Hour Theatre in…

$33 – $49
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

November 30 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

Audience favourite Andrea Lam joins the MSO for Rachmaninov's powerhouse Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Jaime Martín conducts Shostakovich's…

$69 – $135

0 events, 1

4 events, 2

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

December 2 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

Presented by BK Opera Melbourne independent opera company BK Opera presents Befreit, an opera inspired recital at the Eleventh Hour Theatre in…

$33 – $49
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Accelerando Recital 2023

December 2 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Accelerando Recital 2023

The Accelerando program provides an opportunity for exceptional young artists to take their music to the next level. A year-long journey,…

Free
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

A Christmas Fanfare: a feast of music for choir and brass Choral masterworks from four centuries and favourite traditional carols Melbourne…

$25 – $45
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

Audience favourite Andrea Lam joins the MSO for Rachmaninov's powerhouse Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Jaime Martín conducts Shostakovich's…

$69 – $135

5 events, 3

Featured 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah 2023

Featured December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah 2023

World record performance in Melbourne Town Hall The 40th Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Concert “The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra…

$65 – $95
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah

December 3 @ 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah

Join with the Heidelberg Choral Society and Orchestra, conducted by Peter Bandy, with soloists Teresa Ingrilli (soprano), Dimity Shepherd (mezzo soprano), Timothy Reynolds (tenor), and Oliver Mann (baritone) to hear Handel at his most brilliant.

$50 – $55
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Rock Choir – Play It Forward 10th Anniversary Concert

December 3 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Rock Choir – Play It Forward 10th Anniversary Concert

Celebrating our 10th anniversary, Play It Forward presents a joyous, rousing concert of all the greatest rock music classics from Queen…

$32 – $38
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum Concert #4

December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum Concert #4

The Royal Melbourne Hospital 175th Anniversary Gala Concert. Corpus Medicorum finishes their Duality concert series with a giant party! Come and join the…

$30 – $65
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Something Suite – Yasmin Rowe

December 3 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Something Suite – Yasmin Rowe

Join concert pianist Yasmin Rowe for an exciting and evocative program of piano works at Montsalvat.  With a first half of Couperin's…

$35 – $40.00

0 events, 4

1 event, 5

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Quartz – Sweet Disposition

December 5 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Quartz – Sweet Disposition

Beauty and elegance meets skill and maturity. Acclaimed Melbourne string quartet Quartz are a confluence of Australian musical talent and world-class…

$30 – $37

1 event, 6

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ossicle Duo & Rubiks Collective – Displaced Bodies

December 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ossicle Duo & Rubiks Collective – Displaced Bodies

Sonic frontiers, stunning projections, chamber music and unconventional instruments. Experience sonic innovation as Displaced Bodies unites two of Melbourne’s cutting-edge ensembles. Ossicle Duo,…

$30 – $37

2 events, 7

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

December 7 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

Quartets quintets, and sextets… oh my! Shostakovich’s profound Piano Quintet represents a period of writing where the young composer, who was…

$59 – $69
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

December 7 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

Quartets quintets, and sextets… oh my! Shostakovich’s profound Piano Quintet represents a period of writing where the young composer, who was…

$59 – $69

0 events, 8

4 events, 9

2:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 9 @ 2:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

A Christmas Fanfare: a feast of music for choir and brass Choral masterworks from four centuries and favourite traditional carols Melbourne…

$25 – $45
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Mother Goose

December 9 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Mother Goose

Musical fun and entertainment for the whole family, join KIAZMA Piano Duo for an interactive experience. Let the magic of classical music transport…

$30 – $37
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Victoria Chorale: Gloria

December 9 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Victoria Chorale: Gloria

Victoria Chorale will capture the spirit of Christmas at 5pm on Sat Dec 9 at St Paul's Cathedral. The program includes…

$20 – $60
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Christmas Trees

December 9 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Christmas Trees

Usher in the festive season with a rare performance of Liszt’s enchanting Christmas Trees. Let the magic of classical music transport…

$30 – $37

1 event, 10

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Australian Boys Choir: Sing of Christmas

December 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Australian Boys Choir: Sing of Christmas

Nicholas Dinopoulos leads nearly 200 singers of the Australian Boys Choral Institute and The Vocal Consort in this unmissable traditional festive…

$34 – $60

0 events, 11

0 events, 12

1 event, 13

6:00 pm - 7:10 pm

Affinity Quartet – Innovators

December 13 @ 6:00 pm - 7:10 pm

Affinity Quartet – Innovators

Affinity Quartet perform revolutionary masterpieces by Haydn and Bartók. Join Affinity Quartet as they perform a program of innovative treasures for…

$30 – $37

0 events, 14

2 events, 15

Featured 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Featured December 15 @ 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Carols in the Cathedral 2023 3 spectacular concerts in St Paul's Cathedral Friday 15 December at 8.30pmSaturday 16 December 2pm  and…

$25.00 – $87.00
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ros Bandt with Alana Blackburn – Sounding Spaces

December 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ros Bandt with Alana Blackburn – Sounding Spaces

A captivating ‘unearthing of sonic archaeologies.’ Immerse yourself in original, spatial-sounding artworks that redefine environments. Join acclaimed sound artist Ros Bandt…

$20 – $25

4 events, 16

Featured 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Featured December 16 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Carols in the Cathedral 2023 3 spectacular concerts in St Paul's Cathedral Friday 15 December at 8.30pmSaturday 16 December 2pm  and…

$25.00 – $87.00
Featured 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Featured December 16 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Carols in the Cathedral 2023 3 spectacular concerts in St Paul's Cathedral Friday 15 December at 8.30pmSaturday 16 December 2pm  and…

$25.00 – $87.00
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

December 16 @ 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

Noël! Noël! is filled with timeless carols including O Come All Ye Faithful, Stille Nacht and many musical surprises. The much-anticipated annual tradition that is Noël!…

$30 – $185
7:30 pm - 8:45 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

December 16 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

Noël! Noël! is filled with timeless carols including O Come All Ye Faithful, Stille Nacht and many musical surprises. The much-anticipated annual tradition that is Noël!…

$30 – $185

0 events, 17

0 events, 18

0 events, 19

0 events, 20

0 events, 21

0 events, 22

0 events, 23

0 events, 24

0 events, 25

0 events, 26

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

  • There are no events on this day.
November 28
November 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tristan Lee – Between Heart & Head

November 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Wildschut and Brauss

November 29
November 29 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

LGT Young Soloists

November 30
November 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Syzygy Ensemble – Joy Ride

November 30 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

November 30 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

December 2
December 2 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

December 2 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Accelerando Recital 2023

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

December 3
Featured Featured December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah 2023

$65 – $95
December 3 @ 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah

December 3 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Rock Choir – Play It Forward 10th Anniversary Concert

December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum Concert #4

December 3 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Something Suite – Yasmin Rowe

December 5
December 5 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Quartz – Sweet Disposition

December 2
December 2 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

December 2 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Accelerando Recital 2023

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

December 3
Featured Featured December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah 2023

$65 – $95
December 3 @ 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah

December 3 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Rock Choir – Play It Forward 10th Anniversary Concert

December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum Concert #4

December 3 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Something Suite – Yasmin Rowe

  • There are no events on this day.
December 5
December 5 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Quartz – Sweet Disposition

December 6
December 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ossicle Duo & Rubiks Collective – Displaced Bodies

December 7
December 7 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

December 7 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

  • There are no events on this day.
December 9
December 9 @ 2:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 9 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Mother Goose

December 9 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Victoria Chorale: Gloria

December 9 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Christmas Trees

December 10
December 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Australian Boys Choir: Sing of Christmas

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
December 13
December 13 @ 6:00 pm - 7:10 pm

Affinity Quartet – Innovators

  • There are no events on this day.
December 15
Featured Featured December 15 @ 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

$25.00 – $87.00
December 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ros Bandt with Alana Blackburn – Sounding Spaces

December 16
Featured Featured December 16 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

$25.00 – $87.00
Featured Featured December 16 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

$25.00 – $87.00
December 16 @ 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

December 16 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
View Calendar

Classic Melbourne’s reviews policy

audio
Our point of differenceby Editor Suzanne Yanko

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Follow us on Facebook

Classic Melbourne

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Introducing Classic Melbourne

audio
Speech at launch by Conductor Andrew Wailes

Your browser does not support the audio element.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

@2019 - All Right Reserved.

Read alsox

Victoria Chorale Melbourne: Haydn, Vaughan Williams, Mozart

18th September, 2022

Quasi Una Fantasia

24th October, 2012

Ensemble Gombert: Music of the Sistine Chapel

3rd March, 2016