ABOUT THIS CONCERT
Join flautist Jonathan Henderson and pianist Alex Raineri for Waves at Play, an uplifting program of beloved classical masterworks and vibrant music by living Australian composers. Sally Whitwell’s Road Trip captures the gentle evolution of landscape glimpsed from a train window, the forward momentum of a silver bullet train reflected beautifully in its soaring, lyrical lines. Beethoven’s masterful Serenade, Op. 41 features next. Adapted from an early work for flute, violin and viola, this lesser-known, multi-movement work, celebrates poetry and virtuosity in equal measure. Adelaide-based composer Anne Cawrse describes her work as flower, as fire as ‘an ode to once-favoured Andantes’. Composed in response to the work which was once destined to be the slow movement of Beethoven’s ‘Waldstein’ Sonata, it is a dream-like, pulsing, powerful work. Bartók’s Suite paysanne hongroise features a string of soulful folk melodies brimming with rustic vitality and exuberance, drawn directly from Hungarian folk traditions. The concert concludes with Jonathan’s own arrangement of the virtuosic work (originally for violin) by Edwin Grasse, Waves at Play. Expressive and ultimately joyful, we invite audiences to share an evening of uplifting musical storytelling.
To attend a Contra Concert permits you an hour to switch off, recharge and disconnect from deadline mode. We invite you to rebel against your smartphone and dare to get nothing done! Sit back, let your mind wander and share in the rare exchange of music between performers and audience, only achievable in the intimacy of the chamber music salon.
PROGRAM
Sally WHITWELL
Road Trip
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
Serenade in D major for Flute, Violin and Viola, Op. 25 (arr. flute and piano)
Anne CAWRSE
as flower as fire
Béla BARTÓK
Suite paysanne hongroise, Sz. 71
Edwin GRASSE
Waves At Play (arr. flute and piano)
ARTISTS
JONATHAN HENDERSON, flute
Recognised for his dynamic performances and technical mastery, Jonathan Henderson is an Australian flautist with a multifaceted career spanning Australia and the Nordic countries. He has performed as concerto soloist, orchestral principal, chamber musician and recitalist at major festivals including the BBC Proms and Lucerne Festival. Appointed Principal Flute of the Estonian National Opera Orchestra in 2012, he has been engaged as Guest Principal with orchestras in Australia, Estonia and Finland. Critics have described his playing as “sublime” (Limelight Magazine), showcasing a “rich range of flute timbres” (The Creative Issue) and “a level of virtuoso control rarely heard” (Music Trust).
ALEX RAINERI, piano
Alex Raineri is a piano player, harpsichordist, composer, improviser, curator, producer, writer, musical director and educator. Described as “a musical chameleon … a visionary prophet of the keys” (Limelight), “fearless, playful, and technically formidable” (Stage Whispers), “a born communicator” (The Australian), and “a brilliant young musician” (Otago Times), Alex’s international touring has encompassed the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. His recordings appear on Decca, ABC Classic, Parma Records, MOVE Records and Kammerklang. Alex is artistic director of Brisbane Music Festival and FourthWall Arts, and an Artist Ambassador for Kawai Australia.
REVIEWS
Jonathan Henderson and Alex Raineri dazzled, presenting the varied, dynamic scope of the flute-piano duo. The Creative Issue
A new chamber music series offers an intelligent, beautifully played program in a glorious heritage venue. Limelight Magazine ★★★★ 1/2
The pacing of the concert was pleasantly unhurried, and in the close setting it was easy to become lost in the music. Backstreet Brisbane
A delight to watch and listen to, and the bonus is that they mingle with the audience at the end of the show. What a wonderful way to experience beloved pieces and also less familiar ones. Stage Door
This elegant one-hour salon programme was perfect for a cool Friday night and a great way to shake off the working week to focus instead on beautiful music. Stage Whispers
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