Violinists Justine Cormack and Benjamin Baker created the At The World's Edge Festival with the aim to help Central Lakes District become a destination for the Arts and Culture in New Zealand. This concert took place at Rippon Hall, which is set on a hill in a vineyard overlooking Lake Wanaka. Behind the stage is an enormous window with a view over the lake and the mountains. It’s quite the dramatic setting, which fits the music in this concert.
The musicians are: violinists Benjamin Baker, Justine Cormack, Wilma Smith and Marike Kruup (Estonia). Viola players are Amanda Verner and Robert Ashworth. Cellists Maciej Kułakowski (Poland) and Ken Ichinose. And there’s a singer as well. Baritone Julien Van Mellaerts.
This concert was held on 08 October 2022.
String sextet onstage at Rippon Hall, Wanaka. Photo: MIKE DAWSON
Repertoire:
STRAUSS: Capriccio
FARR: Mondo Rondo
Alma MAHLER: Five Songs
MENDELSSOHN: String Quartet in F Minor, Op 80
STRAUSS Capriccio
We start with Richard Strauss' String Sextet from his opera Capriccio. It is the last opera Strauss wrote and was premiered in 1942 in Munich. This piece acts as the overture to the opera. Benjamin Baker is leading the ensemble.
FARR Mondo Rondo
String Quartet in Rippon Hall, Lake Wanaka. Photo: MIKE DAWSON
Next is a piece by NZ composer Gareth Farr. It’s his playful string quartet Mondo Rondo, which over the years has proven to be a favourite with performers and audiences. Justine Cormack and Wilma Smith are on violins, Amanda Verner on viola, and Maciej Kułakowski is the cellist.
Alma MAHLER Five Songs
Julien Van Mellaerts and string quartet on stage at Rippon Hall. Photo: Run in the shadows
Alma Mahler was married to Gustav Mahler. She was a talented performer and composer in her own right. But as part of the marriage agreement she wasn't allowed to compose anymore. That however contributed to her slipping into a deep depression, because of which Gustav allowed her to write again.
This song collection consists of the songs:
I - Die stille Nacht (The Quiet Town)
II - In meines Vaters Garten (In my Father's Garden)
III - Laue Sommernacht (Mild Summer's Night)
IV - Bei Dir ist es traut (With You it is Pleasant)
V - Ich wandle unter Blumen (I Stroll Among Flowers)
Five Songs by Alma Mahler is sung by baritone Julien Van Mellaerts. The string players are Wilma Smith and Justine Cormack on violins, Amanda Verner on viola, and Maciej Kułakowski on cello.
MENDELSSOHN String Quartet in F Minor Op 80
String quartet plays Mendelssohn. Photo: MIKE DAWSON
The String Quartet in F Minor, Op.80 is the last major work Mendelssohn wrote. He was deeply moved by the loss of his sister Fanny. It's easy to imagine that he channeled all that emotion into this piece. It's performed by Benjamin Baker and Marike Kruup on violins, viola player Robert Ashworth and cellist Ken Ichinose.
Lake Wanaka Photo: RNZ
Recorded by RNZ Concert, Rippon Hall, Wanaka, 08 October 2022
Producer: Adrian Hollay; Engineer: Adrian Hollay
