Sydney

Musica Viva always assemble world-class musicians. The Beethoven’s Ghost concert at City Recital Hall, on May 6, saw a sublime collaboration. Aura Go on piano, plays with boundless passion and innovation. Kristian Winther on violin, creates wondrous, coherent performances. Timo-Veikko Valve, caresses the cello, in expressive fashion.

In many ways, this is an eclectic program with Beethoven and Ravel, accompanied by Australian composer Evotvos and French composer, Boulanger. Yet, it all blends magnificently in the gorgeous artistic space of the City Recital Hall. Valve and Go have collaborated over several years as a duo. Winther has also played with Go. The prospect of forming a trio, proved irresistible and Musica Viva have launched a national tour.

Beethoven’s Piano Trio in D major, Op 70 No.1 Ghost 1808, opens the program. The Ghost has Shakespearean influences, which of course adds to the drama. The first movement, Allegro vivace e con brio, is fast-paced and lively. We sense a ghostly spirit. The second movement Largo assai ed espressivo, is slow and effectively eerie. The third movement, Presto, is quick, demanding technical intensity from the trio. Ghosts move in mysterious ways! This Beethoven trio is one of his most performed chamber works and its appeal is obvious.

The second composer is Melody Eotvos,(yes, the perfect name for a composer). Regnare, Piano Trio No 3 2026, is powerful. Eotvos, introduces her work on-stage. We learn that her inspiration for this piece comes from the Tasmanian Ash (Eucalyptus regnare). Being the world’s tallest flowering plant, there’s a sense that various climatic changes must be overcome in order to survive. The trio capture the atmospherics here so beautifully. Eotvos embraces the artists to rapturous applause from the audience. It’s a joyous way to glide to an interval.

The third composer is Lili Boulanger’s piece, D’un soir triste 1918, which translates to Of a sad Evening. There’s an enveloping sensation of despair, grief and indeed, deep sadness. The trio again achieve shivering harmonies. Life is fragile. The piece has an urgent intensity. We feel brave for having witnessed it. Sadness is the most lasting of all human emotions.

To close the program, there’s Ravel’s Piano Trio 1914. Movement 1, Modere is played at moderate speed. It has a folk music-like feel with subtle irregularities to waft over us. The second movement, Pantoum Assez vif, is lively and poetic. Victor Hugo’s words being influential in its formation. Passacaille, the third instalment, is a hymn to the piece. Each instrument has its moments to absolutely shine, as a climax is achieved. The final movement has a divine, rhythmic Basque texture. A glorious conclusion to a beguiling evening.

Post Show there is a Q&A on-stage with the ever-charming, director, Paul Kildea, composer Melody Eotvos, accompanied by Aura Go, Kristian Winther and Timo-Veikko-Valve. Musica Viva pride themselves on being accessible. There’s no intellectual snobbery. The mutual admiration between, director, composer and artists is gloriously on-show. Concerts like this happen through collaboration and an ambitious drive for excellence. Beethoven’s Ghost has thrilled audiences in Newcastle, Sydney, and Canberra. Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth, are next on the tour. Not to be missed!

To book tickets to Beethoven’s Ghost, please visit https://musicaviva.com.au/concert-season/2026/beethovens-ghost/.

Photographer: Peter Stoop

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