AVE is the wonderful new Australian Vocal Ensemble. The quartet’s singing is lyrical, playful, powerful and modern. The quartet’s vision is innovative – and it delivers on that dream. AVÉ is also a Latin word meaning ‘be well’. We were most definitely all ‘well’ during this 80-minute acapella performance at the Neilson Theatre at Walsh Bay on August 29. This was the only performance in Sydney, the last stop on AVÉ’s national tour with this mostly Australian repertoire.
Seven of the twelve pieces were written by contemporary Australian composers based on poems by David Malouf, one of Australia’s greatest writers, now aged 88. The others were a 16th century Misericordia by Tomás Luis de Victoria, Bach’s Jesu Meine Freude, several Bach cantatas, Handel’s Tu Del Ciel, and the appropriately named final work, Peace I Leave With You, composed by AVÉ’s tenor Andrew Goodwin. Andrew O’Connor is the bass, Fiona Campbell the mezzo soprano and Katie Noonan the soprano and musical director. All four are renown international performers. Their details are at the website below, which includes the accomplishments of the composers Stephen Leek, Jessica Wells, Anne Cawrse, Isaac Hurren, Thomas Green, Robert Davidson and Alice Humphries.
Only established in 2021, AVÉ is already making its mark in Australia and will probably claim a place on the international stage. The music selected, the four voices alone and together, the casual atmosphere on stage and the promotion of Australian culture through Malouf’s poems and our own composers foretell a bright future for the new group.
There are two Neilson theatres on Pier 2/3, The Neilson Nutshell and the larger one, The Neilson. The Neilson is a pleasing high-ceiling space with one bank of high-raked seating above a large square performance area. The acoustics are excellent. The walls are attractive curved wood panels.
Venturing over to Walsh Bay for a performance by Australia’s best musicians, dining al fresco overlooking the Harbour or just strolling along the waterways is always an adventure. Hopefully AVÉ will stay longer next time they are in Sydney. One performance is just not enough!
AVÉ: https://www.australianvocalensemble.com
Artistic Director: www.katienoonan.com.au
www.walshbaysydney.com/what-s-on
https://e.cpanel.red/pier-2-3-at-walsh-bay-arts-precinct-set-to-open/
