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Reviews

Review of Anna Prasannan (flute) and Michelle Velvin (harp) concert

15 July 2022, Anzac Hall Featherston

This concert of delicious music for flute and harp almost did not go ahead. At 24 hours notice Anna Prasannan (flute) stepped in to join Michelle Velvin (harp) after Bridget Douglas succumbed to Covid. It was impressive that, with one exception, they played the planned programme – a world tour in music from France, Spain, Italy, the United States, Japan and New Zealand. Algues by French composer Bernard Andres showed off a range of harp techniques including xylophone sounds and playing with fingernails. The flute melody floated serenely above the harp accompaniment.

Next was a movement from Gareth Farr's Taheke inspired by a secluded waterfall in the Marlborough Sounds. A lovely flute melody was accompanied by a variety of watery sounds on the harp. Vincent Persichetti's Serenade Op.79 was the most substantial work on the programme. Full of contrasts, it was given an exciting performance with angular melodies, a renaissance dance, skittish flute melodies and bold harp glissandi.

Jacques Ibert's well-known Entr'acte is influenced by Spanish dance and it was easy to imagine dancers whirling across the dance floor. Next stop – Japan. Michio Miyagi's Haro no Umi translates as 'sea in spring'. The players perfectly captured light dancing on water, although the mellower sounds of the harp can't quite match the plucked sounds of a koto which the work was originally scored for.

The concert ended with two shorter pieces – the first movement of Italian film composer Nino Rota's Sonata for harp and flute, a gentle piece with subtle changes of mood, and the haunting melody of Ravel's Pavane bringing us full circle back to France.

This was the second to last concert in the Mulled Wine series presented by Mary Gow. They have brought to Featherston a wonderful range of music played by superb musicians.

Scilla Askew ONZM is a former Executive Director of SOUNZ, and a founding trustee of Stroma New Music Trust and the Lilburn Residence Trust. She plays violin for fun.


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