Review: Dmitry Sinkovsky Returns To Australia To Present THE SINGING VIOLIN With The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

Wednesday 26th July 2017, 7pm, City Recital Hall, Sydney

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra's Artistic Director and Conductor Paul Dyer AO has welcomed the opportunity to bring acclaimed Russian Baroque violinist and countertenor Dmitry Sinkovsky back to Australia as a Guest Director for a three city tour of THE SINGING VIOLIN. With a program of energetic and expressive works, the pair of friends lead the 20 piece orchestra to create an evening of beautiful music with a few un-listed treats.

With the violin often referred to as the instrument closest to the human voice, Sinkovsky's interpretation of the selected works makes this connection even more understandable as he brings stories filled with emotion out of the 342-year-old Francesco Ruggeri violin. Telemann's "per il Sig Pisendel" Concerto for Violin in B-flat Major is initially given a restrained brightness which gives way to a building, haunting work filled with texture and expression and concluding with a chatter of statements volleyed between the solo and the orchestra before a percussive energy presented in contrast to the subtle reflective response from the orchestra.

In the "Il Pianto D'Arianna" from Locatelli's Concerto Grosso in E-flat Major, a layered soundscape is created with a heartbeat from the baroque cello and violone whilst the varoque violins and violas provide a wash of sound underpinned by the harpsichord over which Sinkovsky presents a plaintive question in his solo delivered from high on the fingerboard. The "Il Favorito" from Vivaldi's Concerto for Violin in E Minor is delivered with a rich texture whilst having the intricacy of an eloquent debate, leading in to a hope rising out of the fog before ending in a frenzied argument.

In addition to the works presented with Sinkovsky, the evening also includes works for just the orchestra and a special addition of Baroque Horn presented by Darryl Poulsen and Doree Dixon. Vivaldi's Concerto for two horns in F Major showcases how difficult the Baroque horn is to play as it predates the modern valvEd French Horn, relying on the musicians' breath and mouth control to deliver the intricacies of the work.

The fabulous energy and enthusiasm that has become a signature of the ABO and in particular Dyer's leading of the orchestra is amplified in this performance as Sinkovsky shares the same expressive nature that Dyer always delivers and the rapport between the two, and the orchestra is clear. Sinkovsky has some fabulous interactions with violinist Ben Dollman who is equally animated as Dyer and Sinkovsky which adds to the charm of the ABO performances.

This concert is also one to definitely stay around for the well-deserved curtain call with the possibility of a few extra treats from Sinkovsky, Dyer and the orchestra. For opening night Sinkovsky delighted with Locatelli's Capriccio from Concerto in D Major which is a playful short piece displaying a stuttering speed which he delivers with glee. Whilst billed as an orchestral concert with promotion focusing on Sinkovsky's violin performance, those that stayed for the encore were delighted with the Russian's vocal talents with two works by Handel which showcased an ethereal tender sound.

Don't miss this opportunity to see this young Russian who looks like he could be just at home on a rock concert scene as the reserved world of Baroque music as he tours with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. THE SINGING VIOLIN is a beautiful two hours of music blending the best of Australian talent with returning guest director, violinist and singer Sinkovsky who clearly enjoys his visits and sharing his talent with Australian audiences.

DMITRY SINKOVSKY: THE SINGING VIOLIN

AUSTRALIAN BRANDENBURG ORCHESTRA

Sydney: City Recital Hall: 26, 28, 29 July, 2 & 4 August

Melbourne: Melbourne Recital Centre: 5 & 6 August

Brisbane: Queensland Performing Arts Centre 8 August