★★★★ 1/2
A new chamber music series offers an intelligent, beautifully played program in a glorious heritage venue.
WAVES AT PLAY: Jonathan Henderson & Alex Raineri – Sydney
Uniting Heart and Soul Church – Woollahra
Woollahra NSW, Australia
About this concert
Join long-time collaborators Jonathan Henderson (flute) and Alex Raineri (piano) for a rare Sydney recital of uplifting and expressive chamber music. Bringing together masterworks with vibrant, lyrical works by leading Australian composers, Waves at Play invites audiences to step away from the pace of everyday life and be immersed in an hour of expressive, colourful and engaging music.
From the changing landscapes of Sally Whitwell's Road Trip to the rustic vitality of Bartók's Suite paysanne hongroise, the programme traces a journey through music inspired by motion, nature and storytelling. Alongside these are Beethoven's poetic and virtuosic Serenade, Op. 41 and Anne Cawrse's as flower, as fire, a contemporary response to Beethoven that is dream-like and beautifully tranquil. The concert concludes with Jonathan Henderson's own arrangement of Edwin Grasse's dazzling violin showpiece Waves at Play.
Having performed together since 2019, Jonathan Henderson and Alex Raineri have forged a musical partnership built on their shared passion for chamber music spanning from the classical period to newly commissioned Australian works.
Whether discovering this programme for the first time or returning to familiar favourites, we invite you to sit back and share in the rare exchange of music between performers and audience that is only possible in the intimacy of the chamber music salon.
Programme
Sally WHITWELL
Road Trip
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
Serenade in D major for Flute, Violin and Viola, Op. 25 (arr. flute and piano)
Anne CAWRSE
as flower as fire
Béla BARTÓK
Suite paysanne hongroise, Sz. 71
Edwin GRASSE
Waves At Play (arr. flute and piano)
Concert duration approx. 60 minutes, no interval
Watch
Listen
Artists
JONATHAN HENDERSON, flute
Recognised for his dynamic performances and technical mastery, Jonathan Henderson is an Australian flautist with a multifaceted career spanning Australia and the Nordic countries. He has performed as concerto soloist, orchestral principal, chamber musician and recitalist at major festivals including the BBC Proms and Lucerne Festival. Appointed Principal Flute of the Estonian National Opera Orchestra in 2012, he has been engaged as Guest Principal with orchestras in Australia, Estonia and Finland. Critics have described his playing as “sublime” (Limelight Magazine), showcasing a “rich range of flute timbres” (The Creative Issue) and “a level of virtuoso control rarely heard” (Music Trust).
ALEX RAINERI, piano
Alex Raineri is a piano player, harpsichordist, composer, improviser, curator, producer, writer, musical director and educator. Described as “a musical chameleon … a visionary prophet of the keys” (Limelight), “fearless, playful, and technically formidable” (Stage Whispers), "a born communicator" (The Australian), and “a brilliant young musician" (Otago Times), Alex’s international touring has encompassed the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. His recordings appear on Decca, ABC Classic, Parma Records, MOVE Records and Kammerklang. Alex is artistic director of Brisbane Music Festival and FourthWall Arts, and an Artist Ambassador for Kawai Australia.
Reviews
The pacing of the concert was pleasantly unhurried, and in the close setting it was easy to become lost in the music.
A delight to watch and listen to, and the bonus is that they mingle with the audience at the end of the show. What a wonderful way to experience beloved pieces and also less familiar ones.
This elegant one-hour salon programme was perfect for a cool Friday night and a great way to shake off the working week to focus instead on beautiful music.
FAQs
- Accessibility information
Contra Concerts is committed to make all our events accessible and as inclusive as possible. For the best concert experience, we encourage visitors to advise of any accessibility requirements at time of booking. We will do our best to accommodate any individual needs.
Seating
Accessible seating is available at both ends of the front row. To reserve accessible seating and adjacent companion seating, please contact us at office@contraconcerts.com.au
Mobility
The Uniting Heart and Soul Church is an accessible venue, with ramp access available via the main entrance and into the venue.
Parking and drop off
A passenger drop-off zone is located at the front of the church, accessible via the driveway on Forth St.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible bathroom facilities are available at this venue.
Companion Card
Contra Concerts provides Companion Card holders with a second ticket for their chosen companion at no cost, ensuring that people who are unable to attend venues and events without a companion to provide high-level attendant care support are not charged two admission fees. The cardholder should provide their Companion Card details when making a booking and will be granted entry upon presenting a valid ID card to front of house prior to the event.
Our Supporters
This program is presented with thanks to our supporters for their generous contributions. We are deeply grateful to the music advocates who recognise the value of independent, artist-led initiatives such as Contra Concerts and who understand the importance of enabling musicians to create and share their own artistic projects. If you would like to play a role in bringing our future performances to life, tax-deductible donations can be made here.
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