The RMP’s world-record breaking 238th performance since 1853
34th Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Concert
“The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra delivered a vibrant and polished reading. Music director Andrew Wailes conducted with precision and infectious energy urging the chamber-sized orchestra and 100-strong choir to some stirring renditions of the big choir pieces including the famous ‘Hallelujah’, ‘Glory to God’ and ‘For unto us a Child is born’. Wailes favouring brisk tempos made for exciting listening…” (Handel’s Messiah) The AgeRoyal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra present Handel’s Messiah for the world record 238th time since 1853.The world’s most-loved oratorio, famous for its sparkling arias, powerful choruses and surging climaxes including the magnificent Hallelujah! Chorus and the equally thrilling Amen! Chorus which concludes the work. Featuring over 100 talented musicians from the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra, and an exceptional cast of acclaimed soloists, this concert promises to thrill under the direction of one of Australia’s foremost exponents of this great work. The RMP’s annual performance of this masterpiece is a much anticipated highlight of Melbourne’s concert calendar.Making her debut with the RMP is Helpmann Award-winning soprano Taryn Fiebig is one of Australia’s most popular and versatile artists. In 2017, a busy year saw her in major roles for Opera Australia, West Australian Opera, the Adelaide Festival and Pinchgut Opera. In concert, she performs as soloist with Sydney Philharmonia and the Auckland Philharmonia, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Brandenburg Ensemble and the Sydney, West Australian, Adelaide and Queensland Symphony Orchestras. Leading Australian mezzo soprano Dominica Matthews also a Helpmann Award-winning singer. She is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, UK and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and currently a Senior Principal Artist with Opera Australia and has established herself as one of Australia’s best-loved and prolific singers. RMP is thrilled to welcome her back in 2017.Tenor Robert Macfarlane, originally from Adelaide, was the winner of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria competition in 2009. Robert Macfarlane studied at the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide and subsequently at the Hochschule für Musik, Leipzig ‘Felix Mendelssohn-Bartoldy’ as recipient of the prestigious Thomas Elder Overseas Scholarship. He undertook extensive study of the Baroque repertoire and was the winner of the Adelaide Critic’s Circle award for best individual performance in 2012 (Bach- St. John Passion), and is especially known internationally for his performances of Bach, Robert has enjoyed great success as an opera and oratorio soloist throughout Europe, Australia and Japan. Bass Baritone Adrian Tamburini was the inaugural Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Aria Competition (in 2007), and in 2017 was the winner of The Australian Opera Awards. He has also been the recipient of the Acclaim Awards Scholarship and was twice a finalist in the German Australian Opera Grant. He is a regular performer and soloist with groups such as Opera Australia, Melbourne Opera, and West Australian Opera.With Andrew Wailes, conductor and the Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra it all adds up to a big performance. As Classic Melbourne reported:” A standing ovation persuaded Wailes to deliver an encore – Hallelujah, of course – this time with audience and soloist participation. With the great Town Hall organ swelling the sound and the emotion, there was only one thing left for the audience to do as the performers took their well-earned bows: to stand, clap, cheer, yell “bravo!” … and whistle!“Note: This year all A and B Reserve and Balcony seats can be chosen and reserved online via Trybooking.Tickets can also be purchased via Ticketmaster.Online: www.ticketmaster.com.au or Phone: 136 100 www.rmp.org.au
