Credit: Albert Comper

In this stunning new program, Van Diemen's Band collaborates for the first time with bass-baritone Andrew O’Connor to perform a program of sacred and secular works from 17th Century northern Germany.

This gloriously expressive repertoire, characterised by rich harmonies and playful dialogue, is the perfect medium to showcase the beauty of the baritone voice.

Set in the soaring acoustic of St John's, this concert features works by Tunder, Rosenmuller and Erlebach, and not one but TWO settings of Psalm 57 - Mein Herz ist Bereit (My heart is steadfast) - by Nicolaus Bruhns and Dieterich Buxtehude (the composer that JS Bach famously walked over 400 kilometres to Lübeck to see perform). 

About the artists

ANDREW O'CONNOR, BASS-BARITONE

For more than a decade Perth-born Andrew O’Connor has maintained a busy freelance career encompassing opera, the concert platform, vocal chamber music, and the classroom.

Praised for his 'remarkable musicianship' (Limelight Magazine) and 'textured, fine-wine bass baritone' (ArtsHub) he appears regularly with many of Australia's leading music organisations.

Formerly a permanent member of The Song Company from 2015-2019, he is a Lay Clerk at St Mary's Cathedral, was an Associate Artist with Pacific Opera in 2019, and winner of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Prize in 2020. In 2022 he made his international debut with the VOCES8 Foundation and in 2023 joined the American Bach Soloists Academy in San Francisco.

In 2024 Andrew made solo debuts with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra singing Handel's Messiah and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra singing the world premiere of Katy Abbott's Hidden Thoughts III: Stories of Awe.

Other recent projects included the entirety of Pinchgut Opera's 2024 Season including the role of Achilla in Handel's Giulio Cesare, three projects with The Song Company as part of their 40th Anniversary Season, further touring, recording, and creative development with AVÉ – Australian Vocal Ensemble, and numerous projects with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Bach Akademie Australia, Salut! Baroque, Moorambilla Voices and more.

VAN DIEMEN'S BAND

Based in the wild and unspoiled island state of Lutruwita/Tasmania at the southernmost tip of Australia, ‘Australia’s Baroque supergroup’ Van Diemen’s Band breathes new life into historically-informed performance, delivering extraordinary performances across Lutruwita/Tasmania and beyond.

Founded in 2016 by violinist Julia Fredersdorff, VDB varies in size from an intimate chamber group to a larger orchestra and comprises some of the country’s most highly respected early music specialists. Always seeking to break new ground, VDB has collaborated with guest artists such as French Baroque specialist Martin Gester, Persian/Afghani musicians Ensemble Kaboul and Tasmanian mandolin player Luke Plumb.

VDB is an active concert presenter in Lutruwita/Tasmania and delivers a range of education and community engagement programs each year.

Partners

Soloist

Andrew O'Connor, bass-baritone

Van Diemen's Band

Julia Fredersdorff, Artistic Director & Baroque violin

Latihika Vithinage, Baroque violin

Laura Vaughan, viola da gamba

Donald Nicolson, organ

Simon Martyn-Ellis, theorbo

MEIN HERZ IST BEREIT

DIETERICH BUXTEHUDE (1637-1707) Prelude for Organ in A minor 

NICOLAUS BRUHNS (1665-1697) De Profundis  

JOHANN ROSENMÜLLER (1619-1684) Sonata Quinta à 3 in G minor 

N. BRUHNS Mein Herz ist bereit  

FRANZ TUNDER (1614-1667) O Jesu Dulcissime 

PHIILIPP ERLEBACH (1657-1714) Sonata Sesta in F Major 

D. BUXTEHUDE Mein Herz ist bereit 

Event and ticketing details

Date & Time

St Johns Anglican Church, Launceston Sat 25 October
2.00pm

Tickets

Premium - Full $55.00 Front 4 rows in downstairs section
Premium - Concession $49.00 Front 4 rows in downstairs section
Standard - General Admission $49.00
Standard - Concession $43.00
$30 under 30 $30.00 Limited availability
Children (12 and under) Free
Wheelchair / Limited Mobility $43.00
Companion Card Holder Free - must be booked with Wheelchair / Limited Mobility Seat

Booking Fees

Per booking Our ticketing provider, Humanitix, passes on a small booking fee to cover the cost of service and merchant fees. 100% of booking fee profits are donated to charity by Humanitix.

Location

St Johns Anglican Church, Launceston

157 St John St, Launceston TAS 7250

Get directions

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Assistive listening Assistive Listening

Event notes

Duration

Approximately one hour with no interval.

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