So
much entertainment royalty is involved in this newly commissioned work: Composer
Elena Katz-Chernin; Choreographer/Director Rosetta Cook; Orchestra The Southern Cross
Soloists (augmented), under the baton of Sarah-Grace Williams; Soloist
Katie Noonan; NarratorChristine Johnston; and eight dancers, some nationally and
internationally acclaimed. This was QMF Artistic Director Deborah Conway’s personal
choice for the Festival’s pièce de résistance.
Katz-Chernin’s score is melodic, beautiful and embraces a variety of dance rhythms.
It will become a popular recording and a suite of concert pieces. The conductor
and her nine instrumentalists performed the score impeccably.
Little Green Road to Fairyland
(Ballet) by Elena Kats-Chernin
World Premiere - Queensland Music Festival 2011
Jay McKee, Stage
Whispers.com, 17 July 2011
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Little Green Road to Joy
This morning, The Little Green Road to Fairyland resonantly overflowed with passion,
commitment and expertise. Thank you, thank you, thank you QMF director Deborah Conway for
commissioning this joyfully beautiful piece of work. It’s a fairy story, a pantomime,
a ballet for children of ALL ages, and a chamber-sized symphonic wonder. If you missed it,
begin campaigning now for it to be revived. Campaign for the book to be reprinted, and for
the score to be recorded. I WANT THAT DVD OF THE SCORE.
The music by Elena Kats-Chernin is exquisite. The playing of the music by the
Southern Cross Soloists, conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, with singer Katie Noonan, is
sublime....I loved this piece. I wished my grandchildren could have been there
with me. I dearly hope it has an afterlife. With some few minor adjustments and revisions
I believe this could be one of those few festival pieces that could tour world festivals
with the best the world has to offer for a very long run indeed.
Little Green Road to Fairyland
(Ballet) by Elena Kats-Chernin
World Premiere - Queensland Music Festival 2011
Flloyd Kennedy,
www.criticalmass.com, 17 July 2011
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Who needs a pocketful of money when you can have a pocketful of dreams?
I really had no idea what to expect going in to see The Little Green Road To Fairyland,
but I didn’t mind as I like being surprised. And this really was a fantastic gem of a
surprise!
It is based on a vintage out of print Australian children’s book and is a touching
story of a fairy sacrificing her own fairy wings for friendship, then trying to find her
way back to Fairyland. Mostly though, it’s a hilarious and brilliantly performed
fairytale by the excellent cast of dancers and musicians.
How do you describe a show that incorporates theatre, a live onstage chamber ensemble
accompanied by a soprano, ballet, acrobatics, narration, shadow puppetry, dancing,
physical comedy, fairies, and a squawking troll? You can’t, which is why you should
go see it for yourself!
I was disappointed to find that such a great production is only on for 3 performances, so
if you have kids or you’re a kid at heart, make sure you get in to see it tonight for
the final performance at the Old Brisbane Museum as part of the Queensland Music Festival.
Little Green Road to Fairyland
(Ballet) by Elena Kats-Chernin
World Premiere - Queensland Music Festival 2011
Nelson Lau, www.criticalmass.com, 17 July 2011
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Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams took to the podium for 3 orchestral pieces by De Falla and
Ginastera. Her brisk competence eliciting an exciting and gritty precision from the
orchestra
West Austraian Symphony Orchestra
– CONCERT REVIEW
Rosalind Appleby, West Australian Today
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The Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra describes itself as ‘The Most Vibrant New Sound in
Orchestral Music’, and judging by the sheer energy and spirit of this performance
this self-appointed accolade seems most appropriate.
Under the strict and inspirational influence of their highly-talented and charismatic
conductor, Sarah-Grace Williams, the orchestra re-invigorated some of the well-trodden
paths of the musical repertoire, Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture and Mozart’s G
minor Symphony (no.40).
The Coriolan opens with tightly-coiled tension that only achieves its resolution in the
closing triumphant bars. The shouts from the orchestra were assured, crisp and assertive,
a portent of things to come. This was strong, impassioned playing, just as Beethoven
himself would have approved.
The Mozart symphony was a most refreshing account in which the orchestra sections achieved
independence and cohesion, and a colouring of the textures that is Mozart’s
speciality. I thought I already knew this work well, but it came alive with new insights;
the tempi were exhilarating and the ensemble playing beautifully balanced.
Sandwiched between these two works was Prokofiev’s ‘Classical’ Symphony, a
‘twentieth century symphony Haydn might have written’ (had he been born 100
years later!). This work relies on an energetic and almost eccentric style of playing with
cheeky humour and impish interplay between the sections and the vitality and coruscating
nature of the musicianship kept the listener alert and (importantly) involved.
I look forward with eager anticipation to the next performance of this fine ensemble on
October 31st.
2MBS FM
The Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra – CONCERT REVIEW
Mike Smith, September 2009
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'Good, clear and confident playing, under the guidance of their charismatic and
inspirational Chief Conductor, Sarah-Grace Williams. The lively tempi brought out a sense
of decisiveness, and with it came an energy that breathed new life into these well-known
landmarks of the repertoire. The Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra performs with the passion
that only comes from a great sense of pride in what they're doing. You can see it in the
players' faces, their enthusiasm and excitement is palpable'.
Mike Smith, Station Manager 2MBS
FM, June 2009
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'What an exciting new ensemble. I love the philosophy behind it and the energy it exudes.
Bravo to MCO and Sarah-Grace Williams!'
Mary Jo Capps, CEO Musica Viva,
June 2009
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"...The Inaugural Concert of the MCO was a virtuosic display of sophisticated fire
and passion. The spirited and focussed inspiration of their Artistic Director and Chief
Conductor, Sarah-Grace Williams, produced absolute commitment from this new ensemble of
superb musicians. The result? The birth of a new musical force in Sydney! Bravo, MCO!..."
Bernard Walz, Pianist, June 2009
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"A very important concert by a very important new ensemble.."
John Ockwell, Sydney Youth Orchestras, June 2009
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"(MCO) Members obviously share a passion and commitment for quality orchestral music,
led by the very capable and energetic Sarah-Grace Williams. This is certainly an ensemble
to watch!"
Bernie Heard, Sydney Symphony,
June 2009
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"We are extremely
honoured to have worked with Sarah-Grace Williams Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra.
It has been a pleasure liaising with Sarah-Grace during the lead up to, the recording and
the performance itself. Both Sarah-Grace and the MCO members demonstrated absolute
professionalism at all times. Ms Sarah-Grace is not only a brilliant conductor,
she is a class act! We are proud to have engaged this association with her and
Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra"
Martine Quigley: Events Manager, Cambridge Events (Producers of NRL Grand Final Pre-Game
Entertainment - Live Audience of 33,000 and Televised Audience of millions)
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