French classics at Twilight

Classical music lovers will be treated to a performance of French masterworks by visiting Sydney trio, Charisma at USQ’s next Twilight Recital.

Charisma by name and charisma by nature, the group takes its name from a favourite piece of music explained founding member, Roslyn Dunlop.

'Charisma is the name of a famous piece by the great twentieth Century composer, Xenakis; Charisma for Cello and Clarinet,' Ms Dunlop said.

'It is a work which we have played a number of times and we also love the literal meaning of the word; to inspire enthusiasm.'

Founded in 1995 by clarinettist, Roslyn Dunlop and cellist, Julia Ryder, the original duo explored and developed music for clarinet and cello, premiering many works, establishing an international reputation and receiving critical acclaim.

They were joined by pianist David Miller in 2004 and, as a trio, built on their well-established reputation as an engaging and innovative ensemble.

'Julia and I first met-up as students at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where we formed our original group before heading overseas to study,' Ms Dunlop said.

'When we first established Charisma, as a clarinet/cello duo, we came across a great deal of repertoire for trio (clarinet, cello, piano) and decided that we needed to find a pianist.

'At the time, David Miller was a recently-appointed accompanist at the Conservatorium and we were students having just returned from studying with Geoffrey Parsons in London.

'That was eight years ago and since, we have performed most of the major works for this combination and numerous composers have written original pieces for us.'

Their programs typically include works spanning four centuries and four continents, including many written especially for them by composers from Australia, New Zealand, USA and Europe.

Charisma’s Toowoomba debut will have a distinctly continental flavour, featuring two lively masterworks by French composers Louise Ferrenc and Vincent D'Indy.

'We have played both the Farrenc and D’Indy Trios in separate concerts and often thought they would compliment one another in a program of their own.

'The Farrenc has an essence of Beethoven and Schubert about it; however Louise Farrenc has her own style with intriguing chord switches and tonal harmony.

'The D’Indy is an epic, full of emotional and colourful Romantic music. The Twilight Ensemble Recital will be presented on Wednesday 8 September at 6pm in the USQ Arts Theatre.

Tickets are $17.50 for adults, $14.50 concession, $12.50 student, $7.50 child and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office 07 4631 1111.