Presented by Musica Viva Australia
Van Diemen’s Band & Bertrand Cuiller
Restless Baroque.
Virtuosity and curiosity at the frontiers of the Baroque. Twenty years after first making music together, two kindred spirits reunite to open Musica Viva Australia's 2027 Season. Celebrated French harpsichordist Bertrand Cuiller makes his Australian debut, joining Julia Fredersdorff and Van Diemen's Band, her acclaimed ensemble of Baroque adventurers.
This program traces a vibrant web of musical exchange, shaped by the flow of composers and scores between Europe's cultural capitals. At its heart is Bach's Harpsichord Concerto in D minor, fizzing with brilliant keyboard writing. Its three movements become pillars around which music from the courts and theatres of 17th-century England swirls: the sparkle of Purcell, the ceremony of Handel, the shadowy wit of Locke. Rare gems from Picforth, Brade and Schop, and a new work from Jane Sheldon, inspired by Byrd, transport us to the furthest corners of a rich and unexpected musical world.
Special thanks to Musica Viva Australia Ensemble Patrons Ian Dickson AM and Reg Holloway for their generous support of this tou
Reviews
‘Intimate, dazzling and full of wonder.’ — BBC Classical Music Magazine
‘Performances of the highest calibre and an infectiously enthusiastic stage presence.’ — Sydney Morning Herald
‘Cuiller is a master of the ebb and flow of harpsichord sound.’ — The Observer
Duration: 2 hours (incl. interval) Please note, running times are approximate and subject to change.
Single tickets on sale 11am Wednesday 7 October
Standard
Premium $165
A Reserve $138
B Reserve $103
C Reserve $74
Concession
Premium $146
A Reserve $122
B Reserve $89
C Reserve $63
Under 40
A - C Reserve $50
Under 18
A - C Reserve $20
Group 10 +
Premium $148.50
A Reserve $124.20
B Reserve $92.70
C Reserve $66.60
Season Tickets
Season tickets are on sale now via the Musica Viva Australia website.
A Transaction Fee between $4 and $8.50 applies to orders made online and by phone. Delivery Fees may also apply. A ticket limit of six is in place online to ensure fair ticket access for all. Want to bring a bigger party? Call our Box Office during business hours on (03) 9699 3333 to book.
Artists
Van Diemen's Band
Julia Fredersdorff Artistic Director
Bertrand Cuiller harpsichord
Program
Matthew Locke
Consort of Four Parts, No.1: Fantazie
J.S. Bach
Harpsichord Concerto No.1 in D Minor, BWV 1052
Picforth
In Nomine a 5, MB 57
William Brade
Uppsala Düben Collection: I. Coral
Henry Purcell
'Curtain Tune' from Timon of Athens
George Frideric Handel
Water Music HWV 350 (selections)
Donald Nicolson
(after Schop & Dowland) Lachrimae
Matthew Locke
Music from The Tempest (selections)
Jane Sheldon
New work*
*World premiere performances. Commissioned for Musica Viva Australia
Accessibility
