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Baroque Banter

We take the masterpieces of the Baroque era and make them feel alive today, vivid, thrilling performances that stay with you long after the final note. From dazzling opera to intimate concerts, Pinchgut brings together exceptional artists, fearless creative teams, and our acclaimed Orchestra of the Antipodes, led by ARIA Award-winning Artistic Director Erin Helyard. Experience the wonder of Baroque music – whether you’re a seasoned music lover or stepping into the theatre for the first time.

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Baroque Banter Episode 38: Pre-Performance podcast The First Murder

The Myth, the Music, and the Australian Coast How do you transform a 300-year-old rediscovered masterpiece into a visceral Australian beach holiday? Join host Genevieve Lang as she goes behind the scenes of Pinchgut Opera’s premiere of Scarlatti’s The First Murder (Il primo omicidio). In this episode, Artistic Director and Conductor Erin Helyard and Director Dean Bryant reveal how they are…

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Baroque Banter Episode 37: Scarlatti with Guest Dr Rosalind Halton

Ahead of our upcoming production of tThe First Murder at Roslyn Packer Theatre, host and Artistic Director Erin Helyard dives into the world of Alessandro Scarlatti. He is joined by Dr. Rosalind Halton, renowned harpsichordist, researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle. Together, they explore the genius of this Italian Baroque master and the rare emotional depth of his…

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Baroque Banter Episode 36-Bach & Telemann with Guest Karina Schmitz

Host Erin Helyard chats with Tasmania-based American violist Karina Schmitz about playing in the Orchestra of the Antipodes and the rich world of J.S Bach and Georg Telemann’s concertos and sonatas. What role does the viola play in Baroque chamber setting? How does it shape the colour and conversation within the music? Join these brilliant artists for an engaging discussion about the viola’s place…

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Baroque Banter Episode 35: Farnace in Retrospect

To commemorate the release of the digital album release of the live audio recording of Pinchgut's 2019 production of Farnace, Conductor Erin Helyard chats with countertenor Christopher Lowrey and mezzo-soprano Helen Sherman to revisit the production. Together, they reflect on moments both on stage and off, while honouring the memory of beloved friends Taryn Fiebig, Max Riebl, and Jacqueline Dark,…

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Baroque Banter Episode 34: Handel's Messiah: Origins and Afterlife

Recorded live at the State Library of NSW, this episode of Baroque Banter takes you on a captivating journey into the origins and afterlife of Handel’s Messiah. Ahead of Pinchgut Opera’s upcoming performance of the Original 1742 Dublin Version, Dr Erin Helyard, Artistic Director of Pinchgut Opera and Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, guides us through the rich history, context, and…

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Baroque Banter Episode 33_The Intermezzo and Maid Made Boss

Join host Erin Helyard as he takes us on a sweeping exploration of the origins of Maid Made Boss, the tradition of the intermezzo, the political and philosophical tensions of mid-century Paris, and how one clever servant girl helped change the course of operatic history. Musical excerpt 1 - Taryn Fiebig as Erighetta and Richard Anderson as Don Chilone in Pinchgut Opera's "Erighetta e Don Chilone…

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Baroque Banter: Episode 32 - Pre-performance podcast - The Fairy Queen

Join host Genevieve Lang for a captivating conversation with director Netia Jones and conductor Erin Helyard as they explore Pinchgut Opera’s bold new production of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. This episode takes you behind the scenes of a daring reimagining of the 17th-century masterpiece filled with utterly beautiful music and kaleidoscopic splendour.

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Baroque Banter: Episode 31 - The Fairy Queen in context.

Pinchgut Opera Artistic Director Erin Helyard takes is into the glittering world of Restoration England with The Fairy Queen, a rich and whimsical semi-opera by Henry Purcell. Created in 1692 for the lavish court of William and Mary, this masterpiece fuses Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the era’s love of spectacle, music, and myth. In this episode, we explore how The Fairy Queen…

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Baroque Banter: Episode 30 Goldberg Variations and the harpsichord

What makes the harpsichord so captivating? Join Australia’s finest harpsichordist and Pinchgut Opera Artistic Director, Erin Helyard, as he sits down with master harpsichord maker Carey Beebe for a deep dive into the artistry and allure of this remarkable instrument. Together, they explore the brilliance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations and why it was meant to be played on a two-manual harpsichord.…

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Baroque Banter: Episode 29 - Pre-Performance Podcast - Julius Caesar

Step into the world of Pinchgut Opera’s landmark production of Handel’s Julius Caesar. Join host Genevieve Lang as she sits down with director Neil Armfield AO and conductor Erin Helyard to uncover the artistry, vision, and stories behind this history-making Australian operatic event.

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