When Andrew Wailes planned to conduct a performance of the Mozart Requiem on August 10 he could not have anticipated how relevant it would be to music lovers in that particular week.
News had come two days before of the death of Australia’s great composer, Peter Sculthorpe (pictured); Opera Australian was mourning the tragic death of a valued Chorus member, mezzo-soprano Deirdre Elliott; and there was, on the day of the Requiem performance, a public celebration of the life of Eilene Hannan at the Recital Centre.
Melbourne journalist Patricia Maunder (currently based in Montreal) wrote the most comprehensive obituary we have read about Peter Sculthorpe, the man as well as the musician. “Our ABC” has paid eloquent tribute to Sculthorpe, with an interview by Margaret Throsby re-broadcast and now made available as a podcast.
The day after the Requiem concert, Opera Australia issued the following:
Vale Deirdre Elliott
It is with great sadness that Opera Australia farewells mezzo-soprano Deirdre Elliott, who passed away over the weekend after a tragic accident in New Zealand.
Opera Australia’s Artistic Director, Lyndon Terracini said that Deirdre Elliott was an important and valued member of the Opera Australia Chorus. “She was a wonderful colleague and a dear friend to many people at Opera Australia and beyond. She made a great contribution and we will all miss her terribly.”
Read the full tribute at http://www.theoperablog.com/vale-deirdre-elliott/
Finally, Classic Melbourne presents a tribute to Eilene Hannan, distinguished soprano, inspiring teacher and committed counsellor whose life was celebrated on Sunday August 10 in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall at the Melbourne Recital Centre. Eilene Hannan performed in major opera houses and concert halls in Britain, Europe and Australia, and tributes have been published all over the world.
Julie Houghton paid this tribute to Eilene Hannan, appropriately at the MIetta Song Competition semi-final …
“The classical singing world lost one of its real luminaries when soprano Eilene Hannan died in England last week.
Eilene enjoyed a stellar career on the world’s opera stages, from Australia to England to America. Many people will recall her Green Room Award for a marvellous portrayal of the governess in the Turn of The Screw here, and colleague Margaret Haggart also recalled her magical portrayal as Mimi in La Boheme. Maggie said that she “cried for real” at the end of that opera, as Eileen was so truthful and heartbreaking in that role. She also said it was a privilege to be on stage with her and an even greater one to call her a friend.
Fellow soprano Helen Noonan described her simply as a gorgeous singer and person, while Mary Ryan probably summed up many people’s thoughts when she said that Eilene’s passing is such a loss to everyone who knew her – a wonderful singer and a very special, lovely person. She had so much to give the next generation of singers. I had the privilege of seeing Eilene in action as an adjudicator, always providing wise, supportive and constructive support to the emerging generations of teenage classical singers. She was also a gifted language coach for singers.
Eilene did indeed enjoy a brilliant career, and the Mietta Song Competition owes her a great debt, as she was instrumental in supporting singers of art song over the years. She was a judge of the competition in 2006 (check!), and conducted master classes in 2008 and 2010, as she was a particular expert on the art of singing English art song. Eilene left us too soon, but what a legacy she has bequeathed to our competition and all involved in it.
Vale Eilene Hannan, and may the angels sing their art songs better for having you to guide them.”
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The Stars Turn
From Peter Sculthorpe’s own extensive Work List:
1972
Sussex [UK]
W122 The Stars Turn (1972) for high voice and piano (Text: Tony Morphett) [5:00]
Completed: Glynde, Sussex [UK], March 1972; Arrangement of W112/4; FP: 4 April 1972, Town Hall, Sydney NSW [AU], Jeannie Lewis (voice), Michael Carlos (piano)
W123 The Stars Turn (1972) for high voice, strings and percussion
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