I Was Flying. Music by Sally Whitwell
Sally Whitwell, Alexandra Oomens, VOX, Acacia Quartet, Sally Walker, Kirsten WilliamsChoral Music, Classical, New Music
ABC Classics 481 1704
www.abcclassics.com
Reviewed by Gwen Bennett, September 1st, 2015
Many years ago, at a recital given by a well-known singer, I was surprised to see an accompanist I had never heard of. Young, with funky clothes and spiky hair, this was my first encounter with Sally Whitwell. I was impressed, not with the apparel (I liked that too) but with her obvious pianistic abilities…. continue reading »
Lyle Chan String Quartet. An AIDS Activist’s Memoir in Music
Acacia QuartetClassical, New Music
2 CDs, Vexations 840 1401
www.vexations840.com
Reviewed by Gwen Bennett, July 1st, 2015
Lyle Chan was an activist at height of the AIDS catastrophe and his musical responses to events at that time are the basis of this work. Whilst not being program music in the usual sense, the background described in the accompanying booklet provides insights and a deeper understanding. His story is dramatic, of brave men… continue reading »
