On December 8, the Sutherland Entertainment Centre will be transformed into a grand ballroom featuring dancers in period costume as the Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra marks an electrifying end to it's 2019 season.
Under the baton of principal conductor and musical director, Dr Anthony Clarke, the concert will showcase the orchestra's versatility by performing beloved baroque masterpieces.
The concert will include Handel's Water Music and Royal Fireworks suites and also launch the world premiere of Peter McNamara's explosive experimental work, Land of Cruelty for solo oboe and orchestra.
As a special treat, audience members are encouraged to come in period dress and there will be prizes for the best costumes.
Dr Clarke said he wanted the audience "to feel as though they are an integral part of the concert in which the audience attends a grand ball, surrounded by elegance and grandeur where the orchestra accompanies them on their music journey."
The orchestra will welcome soloist Shefali Pryor, Sydney Symphony associate principal oboe, who will lead the Land of Cruelty journey, depicting the voice of the land.
The work incorporates a form of real-time electronic processing to the oboe soloist's part known as ring modulation.
Pryor joined the Sydney Symphony after graduating with first class honours from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. In 2004 and 2005, she studied with Stefan Schilli at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg and was appointed associate principal oboe soon after returning to Australia. She has performed as guest principal with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia, and is the artistic director of the Sydney Symphony's Vanguard Program for young philanthropists.
Dr Clarke said the Baroque program would encourage the orchestra and the audience to explore concepts that might not be familiar, but will create an unforgettable experience.
"The Baroque Extravaganza/Shock of the New program brings together so many elements, with the familiar melodies of Handel's works leading to the experimental nuances in Peter McNamara's composition," Dr Clarke said.
"It really is a journey from the 18th century European ballroom to the unpredictable extremes of our own untamed Australian landscape, that can be abundant with life one year and desolate the next.
"There will also be some surprises along the way, and we look forward to spending an afternoon of wonderful music with our audience and thanking them for all their support in 2019."
Sydney-based multi-award winning composer Peter McNamara's works have featured at numerous international events including the 2008, 2010 and 2013 ISCM World New Music Days and the 2008, 2009 and 2011 Gaudeamus Music Weeks in The Netherlands, performed by leading international orchestras and ensembles including Ensemble Modern, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Insomnio, and the Tokyo Sinfonietta.
His work is particularly influenced by landscapes and the physics of the natural world and extends across a wide variety of musical genres including orchestral, chamber, electronic, installation and film composition.
Tickets for Baroque Extravaganza/Shock of the New cost $25 for adults or $20 for concessions.
The concert starts at 2.30pm on Sunday, December 8 with a free pre-concert talk at 2pm.
Tickets can be purchased from the Sutherland Entertainment Centre by calling 9521 8888 or visit sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au