From the Heart: Vocal and Chamber Works by Miriam Hyde

“I make no apologies for writing from the heart" ~ Miriam Hyde

2025 marks 20 years since the death of eminent Australian pianist and composer, Miriam Hyde (1913-2005). Hyde was a frequent recitalist, a respected poet and a prolific composer, producing 150 piano works, 50 songs and 40 chamber works. This concert celebrates Hyde’s life, art and craft, throwing light on her lyricism and sensitive storytelling, and creating a space to experience her music as, in Hyde’s own words, “a refuge for beauty and peace”. Program highlights include a song cycle set to Hyde’s words, Tone Poems of the Sea, sung by bass Stephen Grant, Hyde’s much-loved piano solo, Valley of Rocks, performed by Jerry Wong, the Victorian premiere of her cello sonata, arranged by Cyrus Meurant and featuring Richard Narroway, and a little-known dramatic scene, in which Jerry Wong will be joined by soprano Melissa Davis and mezzo-soprano Linda Barcan to tell the story of The Vision of Mary Mackillop.

PROGRAM
Valley of Rocks
Jerry Wong (piano)

Three Songs
Melissa Davis (soprano)
Jerry Wong (piano)

Two Songs
Linda Barcan (mezzo-soprano)
Jerry Wong (piano)

Sonata for cello and piano in B minor
Richard Narroway (cello)
Jerry Wong (piano)

Tone poems of the Sea
Stephen Grant (bass)
Jerry Wong (piano)

The Vision of Mary Mackillop
Melissa Davis (soprano)
Linda Barcan (mezzo-soprano)
Stephen Grant (bass)
Jerry Wong (piano)

CREDITS
Linda Barcan, mezzo-soprano
Melissa Davis, soprano
Stephen Grant, bass
Jerry Wong, piano
Richard Narroway, cello

Image: David Franklin

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has recently changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine. More information.

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.
In order to account for drop-off in attendance, we overbook a select number of free events at the Faculty. If you have not arrived by the start of the performance, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance to secure your seat.
Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.