By Theresia Titus
The Redemptorist Monastery in North Perth served as a venue for a Fremantle Chamber Orchestra (FCO) concert on Saturday 9 November.
Performing 10 to 12 concerts annually, FCO has played at Redemptorist Monastery more than four times, excluding the feast of Sts Peter and Paul in July of this year.
Speaking to The eRecord, Hans Hug – Cellist, Founder and Director of FCO – described the Redemptorist Monastery as “very welcoming and supportive”.
“In return for being able to perform there, we play during a Mass or for a special occasion chosen by the Church,” Mr Hug said.
“I am Catholic and have performed in many churches in Switzerland where I spent the first half of my life.
“The serenity, good acoustics and the sacredness of the place lend themselves to a musical experience. We are extremely grateful for the co-operation between FCO and the Redemptorist Monastery,” he continued.
Performing eight renowned yet rarely heard pieces of music, Mr Hug said the concert intended to provide the audience with an exciting listening experience from the first to the last note.
“We hope listeners feel enriched and happy for being a part of something really beautiful for nearly two hours.”
The works performed were baroque-piece Tomaso Albinoni’s Sinfonia a Cinque, Antonio Vivaldi’s energetic Alla Rustica and RV578, Henry Purcell’s Chaconne, Johann Pachelbel’s Canon, Mozart’s Divertimento 1 KV136, Johann Strauss II’s Capriccio Sextet, and Béla Bartók’s Rumanian Folk Dances.
Violinist Rebecca Glorie, a member of the West Australia Symphony Orchestra, led FCO.
“Rebecca Glorie is one of the most outstanding musicians in WA; an accomplished and versatile violinist performing regularly as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician,” Mr Hug said.
Mr Hug also mentioned that the number of musicians playing for FCO varies in accordance to the works they perform.
“There were 17 professional musicians of whom some are members of WASO, some advanced UWA and WAPPA students, as well as freelancers.”