Elegant Baroque Music at Twilight

Three outstanding Toowoomba musicians will collaborate to present a delightful chamber music recital on 28 March.

Consummate musicians each in their own right, Nicola Hayden (flute), Matthew Henry (cello) and Phillip Gearing (harpsichord, piano) have combined their musical forces to create an exciting new ensemble.

In describing the trio’s name, keyboardist and USQ Senior Lecturer in Music, Dr Phillip Gearing explained that ‘brioso’ is an Italian word which means ‘spirited, vigorous’, ideas that sit well with the group’s performance ideal.

Trio Brioso’s debut performance will have a distinctly Baroque flavour.

“Our program will feature rarely-heard classical treats - Bach from the Baroque, Richter from the late Baroque/early Classical, and Martinu from the 20th Century,” Phillip said.

“The Baroque period is noted for its flamboyance, grand scale and strong sense of movement and colour; in music this was represented by polyphony - many interwoven equal parts - and extravagant ornamentation.”

The recital will open with a flute sonata by the great master, Johann Sebastian Bach, followed by a charming and elegant Sonata da camera by Franz Xaver Richter.

Both Baroque masterworks will feature the harpsichord.

“I have always enjoyed the distinctive sound of the harpsichord and the repertoire that has been written for the instrument.

“After informal lessons as a teenager, I have relished the opportunity to play it ever since and now appear regularly as the continuo harpsichordist with the Brisbane-based Camerata of St John’s.

“At USQ, we are fortunate to have our own harpsichord which was commissioned to be built in 1984 by Sydney harpsichord builder, Carey Beebe; many other places simply do not have them."

Phillip also enjoys performing as a pianist in chamber music and is one of Australia’s most accomplished organ recitalists.

Trio Brioso will bring their recital to a sparkling close with the effervescent Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano by prolific Czech composer, Bohuslav Martinu.

The Twilight Trio Recital will be presented on Wednesday 28 March at 6pm in the USQ Arts Theatre.

Tickets are $18.50 for adults, $15.50 concession, $13.50 student, $8.40 child and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111.

This recital is proudly sponsored by the USQ Faculty of Education.