Erin Helyard Photo: Cassandra Hannagan, courtesy of Pinchgut Opera
Australian musician Erin Helyard is renowned as an early keyboard specialist and conductor. He’s the Artistic Director and co-founder of Pinchgut Opera, which specialises in reviving opera from the 17th and 18th centuries.
It was hearing the harpsichord on the ABC’s classical music station as a teenager growing up in regional New South Wales that sparked his interest in early keyboard instruments.
“I remember hearing Gustav Leonhardt play the Goldberg Variations and that was a revelation for me,” Erin says. “And when I first played the harpsichord, some of the work that Bach wrote, it just suddenly felt like I was liberated."
"The instrument matched with the music so perfectly that it felt inspiring, but also easy in some respects. Even though I discovered that it’s as challenging as any musical endeavour!”
Erin Helyard will be in New Zealand in October for concerts with NZ Barok and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
UPDATE: NZ Barok's Telemania concerts have been postponed until 2024
Telemania!
NZ Barok with Erin Helyard (harpsichord)
St Luke’s Church, Remuera
Friday 13 October, 7.30pm
Saturday 14 October, 2pm
Saturday 14 October, 7.30pm
Dido and Aeneas
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Erin Helyard (conductor)
The Piano, Christchurch
Friday 20 October, 7pm
Saturday 21 October, 7pm
