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Music Review: Lynn Harrell & Margarita Balanas

The Adelaide International Cello Festival presented two of the world’s cello stars for an intimate and informal evening staged in the Mortlock Chamber of the State Library. Lynn Harrell and Margarita Balanas performed to a full house, as the attentive and enthusiastic crowd soaked in the stunning music and wonderful atmosphere of the historic surrounds.

artistphoto_lynn_harrellThe Adelaide International Cello Festival presented two of the world’s cello stars for an intimate and informal evening staged in the Mortlock Chamber of the State Library.

Lynn Harrell and Margarita Balanas performed to a full house, as the attentive and enthusiastic crowd soaked in the stunning music and wonderful atmosphere of the historic surrounds. Harrell opened the concert with Cello Suite No 6 in D Major, by J. S. Bach, performing the prelude and six dance movements. The warmly appreciated virtuosic passages and cadenzas showcased his broad abilities; the joyful Sarabande my favourite.

American Harrell, who founded the HEARTbeats Foundation (with his wife, violinist Helen Nightengale), revealed he had forgotten the music he intended to next perform. The piece was composed for the foundation by his golfing pal John Williams. No one seemed to mind as we were instead treated to a solo cello version of Frederick Chopin’s op. 9 no. 2, E♭ major Nocturne. The riveting performance of this beautiful and popular melody filled every inch of the mansard roof; finishing to audible gasps of delight by some in the audience.

Following interval, Latvian (via London) Balanas appeared like a vision, and made it clear why she is featured at this cello-lovers festival. Her rendition of György Ligeti’s 
Sonata for solo cello was powerful, delicate, intense and brilliant and reverberated off the Manoora stone to provide a very unique and special experience. Balanas’ performance was enthusiastically received with a part-standing ovation.

Janis Laurs, Artistic Director of the festival, then announced the show was over, and the concert abruptly ended 30 minutes ahead of its advertised schedule.

Reviewed by Gordon Forester

Venue: Mortlock Chamber, State Library of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide

Season: The Adelaide International Cello Festival runs 25 March to 6 April
Duration: 90 minutes
Tickets: $60
Bookings: Adelaide International Cello Festival bookings

 

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