Music and architecture come together in a series of talks and concerts hosted in, and inspired by, the singular buildings of Australia’s most famous modernist architect, Harry Seidler.

Recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey is joined by cellist Daniel Yeadon and harpsichordist Neal Peres Da Costa for a program that pays tribute to Seidler’s love for the structural geometry of baroque architecture, with 18^th century Gothic classics set alongside modern Australian works for old instruments.

The 18^th century is represented with work by baroque masters Handel, Telemann and Vivaldi, while Night Song pays tribute to Seidler’s contemporary Peter Sculthorpe, a composer who was also defiantly modern during an era that didn’t always welcome artistic innovation.

The program is rounded out by James Ledger’s New Tricks for Old Dogs, a work commissioned in 2008 by Lacey, Yeadon and Peres Da Costa with funds from the Australia Council. Ledger’s wry humour shines through: the score comes with a note that period costume is recommended, but not compulsory!

Genevieve Lacey: Recorders
Daniel Yeadon: Cello and viola da gamba
Neal Peres da Costa: Harpsichord and chamber organ

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) Concerto for two violins in D minor, RV522 after Bach, arranged for treble recorder, cello, harpsichord and organ
Allegro
Lerghetto et spirituoso
Allegro
11’

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) Trio in B minor, TWV42:h4 from Essercizii musici, for voice flute, viola da gamba and harpsichord
Largo
Vivace
Dolce
Vivace
7’30

Peter Sculthorpe (1929-2014) Night Song (1993/2005)
for tenor recorder, cello and harpsichord
6’

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Sonata in C major, HWV365 for treble recorder, cello and organ
Larghetto
Allegro
Larghetto
A tempo di gavotte
Allegro
11’

James Ledger (b. 1966) New Tricks for Old Dogs (2008) for tenor and bass recorder, viola da gamba and harpsichord
Rhythm and Blues
O Cabaret
The Gospel According to Dr Lacey
Salon Spinner
OK Chorale
Square Dance in a Round Hole
15’

Photo: Keith Saunders

Genevieve Lacey in conversation with Simon Marnie (ABC Radio Sydney)

Genevieve Lacey is a recorder virtuoso and artistic director whose wide ranging musical interests have seen her play both in Australia and internationally for diverse audiences, from performing for the Queen in Westminster Abbey to playing in a remote prison in Western Australia. 

As a soloist, she has performed for every major Australian orchestra, as well as the Academy of Ancient Music, St Petersburg Chamber Orchestra, Tapiola Sinfonietta Finland, the Korean and Malaysian Symphony Orchestras. 

Genevieve has won two ARIA Awards and a Helpmann Award, as well as Australia Council, Freedman and Churchill Fellowships. She holds degrees from universities in Melbourne, Switzerland and Denmark. 

Genevieve will speak about the pieces being performed at the Elizabeth Street offices and the joy of collaboration, not just in this performance but also with people as diverse as choreographer Gideon Obarzanek, musician Paul Kelly and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Read the Seidler Salon Series program on Issuu

Download the Seidler Salon Series program