Baroque music fans in Armadale may find themselves overwhelmed with classical performances during Armadale’s Arts Festival over the next two months with two events taking listeners on a journey through music history.
In the first of two events, the Classic Sounds Orchestra will host a jarrah harpsichord recital at Minnawarra Chapel.
The harpsichord was an instrument, which predated the piano and was popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Harpsichords worked by plucking strings when keys were compressed and created a tinnier noise than a modern piano.
Famous examples of harpsichord use include The Addams Family theme and Beatles song In My Life.
The harpsichord was built in 1999 by Armadale local Irvan Philips out of a variety of types of wood including jarrah for the keys.
Musical director Rachel John who will also play the harpsichord said she was excited to be a part of the unique experience for the festival.
“It’s a unique opportunity to play music on an instrument of the era the music was written in,” she said.
“The music that existed in the 1600s and 1700s was played on a harpsichord because pianos weren’t invented then.
“What we’re doing is recapturing the musical essence that existed in that time.”
As well as the harpsichord Leanne Crestani would play the viola and Trish D’Giovanni would be soprano.
Ms John said the event would provide a chance to listen to baroque music how it was written.
“The music is very soulful and it makes you relax,” she said.
“Music from the Baroque era was predominantly written for the harpsichord and string instruments.”
“It’s a journey back in time.”
Jarrah Harpsichord recitals would be held on April 22 at 2pm and at 5pm.
Tickets were $15 for adults and $10 for concession.
Returning for a second year after closing the Armadale Arts Festival in 2016, the Perth Chamber Orchestra will return to conduct Baroque By Candlelight on Saturday May 6.
The 2016 performances were sold out.
The PCO will return with 2003 World Saxophone Competition winner Jamie Oehlers and acclaimed local musician Aiden Deasy.
Two events will be held on May 6 at 4pm and 7pm at St Matthew’s Church on Jull Street.
Premium reserve tickets were $75 while general admission was $55. Under 18s tickets were $35.
The Armadale Arts Festival begins on April 18 and runs until May 7.
