The Darlington Chamber Music series will hold its fourth concert for the year on August 21.
Camera IconThe Darlington Chamber Music series will hold its fourth concert for the year on August 21. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Darlington Chamber Music Series offers an intimate feast

Sally McGlewMidland Kalamunda Reporter

Darlington Chamber Music Series artistic director Jon Tooby said presenting fine chamber music concerts in the Darlington Hall was inspired by his childhood experiences.

“I remember going to see the West Australian String Quartet present some memorable concerts there,” he said.

“We used to sit on cushions and be utterly enthralled watching these fine musicians perform works by great composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and many others.

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“I vividly remember being so close to the performers and really feeling part of the experience.

“The intimate space where there is a real interaction between the audience and the players is how I believe chamber music should ideally be performed.”

Tooby will play the cello and will be joined by violinist Semra Lee-Smith, violist Sally Boud and pianist Graeme Gilling to showcase Mahler’s Piano Quartet in A Minor, Beethoven’s String Trio Op.9 No 3 and Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E flat major, Op.47.

Tooby said Mahler began work on the Piano Quartet towards the end of his first year at the Vienna Conservatory, when he was about 15 years old.

“Mahler’s Piano Quartet is racked with sadness and longing and really tugs at the heartstrings,” he said.

Tooby said Beethoven’s opus was a significant milestone in his development as a composer.

“Beethoven is a composer with a very unique, recognisable quality in his sound, which is always fun to play.”

Tooby said the final piece by Schumann was one of the most frequently performed piano quartets.

“It is a stunningly beautiful piece performed as an ensemble,” he said.

The concert is on Sunday, August 21 at Darlington Hall at 3pm. Tickets $40 or concession $35. To book go to www.trybooking.com/JPHQ or call 9295 6411.