Viva Italia!
Viva Italia
A selection of Melbourne’s finest musicians will perform new works in Viva Italia, two spectacular concerts showcasing the extraordinary talent from Monash University’s School of Music-Conservatorium and the Academy of Performing Arts.
Held on the University’s Open Day, Viva Italia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. The collaboration with the University’s Prato Centre (Italy) will feature contemporary Italian jazz and grand opera.
In a must-see performance, Mirko Guerrini will conduct the world premiere of his specially commissioned work for Robert Burke on saxophone and the Monash Academy Orchestra.
Current Head of the School of Music and Melbourne jazz identity, Robert Burke, said it was a huge coup for the University to be hosting Mirko Guerrini in this exclusive musical experience.
“Mirko Guerrini’s knowledge in jazz and classical music as a soloist, composer conductor and leading international clinician ensures that all Monash students will benefit and, most of all, Melburnians will savour the ultimate reward,” Mr Burke said.
Guerrini is a Professor of Saxophone at the Giuseppe Verdi School of Music at Monash University, Prato. His international career has led him to work with the leading jazz players of our time including Stefano Bollani, Billy Cobham, Brian Auger and John Etheridge. He has also performed in classical orchestras under the baton of Zubin Mehta and Georges Pretre.
Guerrini’s performance will be followed by a concert version of Puccini’s opera Turandot, bringing some of Australia’s most recognised operative performers, including Rosario La Spina, Rosamund Illing and rising star Zara Barret to the University for this one-off performance. Maestro Richard Divall AO OBE, Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow, will conduct the 80-minute abridged version.
With the combined forces of Young Voices of Melbourne, Melbourne Opera Chorus, Monash University Choral Society, the Heidelberg Choral Society and the Monash Academy Orchestra, the performance will be a highlight of Melbourne’s Opera calendar.
Viva Italia will be held during Monash University Clayton Campus Open Day on Sunday 7 August 2011.
Concert 1 featuring Mirko Guerrini, Monash Academy of Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble will commence at 12noon, and Concert 2 featuring highlights from Puccini’s Turandot will follow at 2pm.
Tickets range from $10-$30 and can be purchased online at www.monash.edu/mapa.