The latest delicious offering in the Live At Lunch series this was a wonderful short concert celebrating Italy in music.
Rutter was elegant in black slacks and a lacy top combined with red shoes. She was joined for this concert by Giuseppe Zangari on classical guitar and Marcello Maio on piano and piano-accordion. Rutter mostly used her favourite gold flute but also the piccolo depending on what was required and at times both she and Maio changed instruments mid piece.
The opening Sonata in A Major for Flute and Guitar by Giulani was charming and sprightly with the flute darting and swooping.
Drigo’s fluid Serenade from Les Millions D’Arlequin followed , with is circular melodies and was played with wonderful timing and phrasing (as were all the works selected).
Next came a crisp, sparkling yet lush version of Michel Peguri’s Bourrrasque.
A dynamic infectious performance by Maio on accordion followed.
Vivaldi’s Concerto RV93 in D Major for Guitar came next and was elegant, dreamy, idyllically pastoral and exquisitely refined. The faster, second section with Rutter on piccolo was more vibrant in mood.
Then came a marvellous version of Chopin’s Theme and Variiations on Non Piu Mesta by Rossini for guitar and flute which featured some bravura playing by Rutter on her flute and dynamic emphatic timing and phrasing especially in the first movement which changed to a slower more lush and limpid LIVE AT LUNCH
second half followed by a return to a darting flute in the third section .
Maio was then featured in an intense fiery and passionate Tango En Skai by Rolalnd Dryens solo .
Pergolsei’s Aria performed as a trio was given a haunting, passionate and lyrical realization.
Torna a Surriento (Come back to Sorrento) by Ernesto De Curtis.was performed a darkly passionate accordion solo by Maio.
Piovanni’s Bongiornio Principessa :La Vita et Bella (from the film Life is Beautiful) followed in an enchanting performance.
The Correlli Sarabande in A Minor was elegant, refined and yearning.
The Capricioso by F Cambareri was bright, joyous and bubbly and given an exuberant performance.
The audience was extremely enthusiastic and demanded an encore. The trio obliged with a dynamic bouncy Fanniculi Fannicula which had the audience clapping along .We didn’t want to leave but the encore unfortunately signaled the conclusion of the concert and we then we trooped off for lunch.
Running time – 70 minutes without interval.
VIVA I’TALIA : LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL : Part of the Live at Lunch series of concerts took place on October 12 at the Concourse, Chatswood.