Soprano debut, a singing success

Ms True wowed crowds of classical music enthusiasts at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, alongside accomplished musicians, violinist Simone Slattery and Kate Brown on harpsichord. 

In their Saturday afternoon recital, Midsummer Song, the trio played an eclectic mix of classic composers, including the works of Montéclair and Henry Purcell. 

“We chose a collection of beautiful music to perform,” Ms True said. “All the pieces had a lot of serenity but we also chose a really dramatic piece to add to the colour and texture of the show.”

Ms Slattery said historic classical style of music spoke to the heart in a way no other genre could.

“I love the fact that it so varied,” Ms Slattery said. “It can be incredibly dramatic, there is so much storytelling involved in the music. I find that in a lot of modern orchestras you can become complacent, you can play the item well and in time and in tune but you just can’t get away with that in this older style of music, you have to give it so much more.” 

Crowds also flocked to the traditional festival breakfast at a private garden in Ballarat north on Sunday morning, followed by recital at Loreto College, Mary’s Mount Centre. On Sunday afternoon, Pianist Christopher Saunders and tenor Christopher Saunders paid homage to Samuel Osmond Barber II, a renowned American composer of orchestral, opera, choral, and piano music.

The festival attracts thousands of visitors to Ballarat annually. The wall’s of the city’s historic building come to life with the sounds of classical music as events are held across a range of venues including St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute and the Central Uniting Church. The festival is also returning to regional areas including Clunes, Snake Valley and Creswick. It will continue until January 17. Details: Call 5333 1195 or visit ballarat.com/organs.