Earlier on Baroque Banter we discussed French Imports, and looked at how Italian musicians found their way into France in the seventeenth century, and what the French did with their dances and their opera. Although the flow of music was very strong from Italy to France, French developments and dances also made their way to other countries. In this episode of Baroque Banter we discuss French exports in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries: we look at the French overture, French dances, French performance practice and French dancing masters ..read more

Join Artistic Director Erin Helyard for a fascinating journey into the story of Allegri's Miserere. Be transported to the world of 17th century sacred music and discover some of the secrets behind this enigmatic piece of Baroque vocal writing. Featuring: Voiceovers by Jill Halleron Featured Musical Excerpts: Allegri's Miserere excerpt from Pinchgut Opera's concert Splendour of Venice recorded at Phoenix Central Park. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSZW9O2AvWA Falsobordone, the Miserere of Allegri, and a most bizarre musicological error - performed by tenor Jacob Lawrence and Elam Rotem on key ..read more

Tune in for a journey through one of opera's most beloved works, Dido and Aeneas. Dive into the enchanting world of Purcell's masterpiece with Host Genevieve Lang, conductor Erin Helyard and director Lucy Clements. Whether you're an opera aficionado or a newcomer, this episode lets you discover the details of this fresh new production by Pinchgut Opera ..read more

Join award-winning writer and actress Kate Mulvany OAM and acclaimed director Lucy Clements as they discuss the new prologue for Pinchgut's new production of Dido and Aeneas. In the spirit of providing a backstory and context Kate has written us a new spoken-word prologue that helps us freshly understand Purcell’s original setting. Discover what it was like to create this piece ..read more

Host Keiren Brandt-Sawdy chats with Artistic Director and Erin Helyard about Theodora. Delve deep into Handel's oratorio and gain insight our performance at the Sydney Opera House in partnership with Opera Australia ..read more

Host Keiren Brandt-Sawdy chats with conductor Erin Helyard and director Louisa Muller about one of the most beloved works in the Baroque repertoire. Discover fresh insight into Pinchgut's first staging of a Handel opera, with Rinaldo. Get ready to be swept away by the magic and adventure when you witness this towering masterpiece of music and drama on stage at City Recital Hall this November ..read more

In this pre-show podcast, host Genevieve Lang sits down with Conductor Erin Helyard to chat about the upcoming September performance of Pleasures of Versailles by Charpentier. They discuss the tiny operas that were enjoyed by Louis XIV at the Palace of Versailles. Step inside the courtly chambers and learn about the entertainment that was fit for a king ..read more

Baroque Banter 11: French Imports. In this Baroque Banter Erin Helyard talks about the influence of Italian music and musicians in France in the seventeenth century. He talks about opera, dances, chaconnes, passacaglias and the multicultural mix that makes Baroque music so special. Excerpts by Erin on harpsichord ..read more

In the newest episode of our podcast series, Baroque Banter - The Love Duet, Erin Helyard discusses the love duet in baroque opera and the intense emotions it helps to convey - from blissful love to total despair. Erin delves deep into the subject matter and explains the function and evolution of one of opera’s most evocative and transcendent conventions. Tune in to enjoy Erin’s explanation of the love duet and revel in the musical excerpts showcasing two voices intertwining magnificently with one another ..read more

In this episode of Baroque Banter historical bassoon specialist, Simon Rickard joins Pinchgut Opera Artistic Director Erin Helyard to discuss historical performance practice and baroque musical instruments. Tune in now and find out what the musette culture is and what it has in common with today's hipster movement ..read more