For this final Canberra concert in its 2023 10th Anniversary season, presented in Canberra’s historic Albert Hall, the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra offered a dazzling performance of works by Mendelssohn and Beethoven for which it had gathered together 41 of Australia’s finest early music exponents.
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…Nor was it difficult to be captivated by the conducting of the Australian Romantic & Classica Orchestra’s co-Artistic Director, Rachael Beesley, who conducted each of the works from her violin.
Utilising every muscle at her disposal she signalled her wishes regarding tempi and expression to the receptive musicians. Her obvious joy in the music was so palpable, that it was impossible for both the musicians and the audience, not to be caught up in her enthusiasm.
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When welcoming the audience to the performance, co-Artistic Director and Principal clarinet, Nicole Van Bruggen, remarked that with this season the orchestra had been investigating how music makes us feel. Well, from the vociferous applause at the end of this concert, there was certainly no doubt about how this audience felt.
Bill Stevens OAM, Australian Arts Review (3 August 2023)
Image: Peter Hislop