Elysium Ensemble
The Elysium Ensemble has been acclaimed by critics for its exciting performances, fine musicianship and authoritative interpretations of music from the Baroque and Classical repertoire.
It embodies the concept of "elysium" (defined in the 17th century as a state of ideal happiness) by bringing together musicians whose awareness of the stylistic demands of the repertoire is combined with a mastery of period instruments. The ensemble's performances are indicative of the freshness and spontaneity which the musicians bring to this collaboration through discussion, rehearsal, experimentation and research.
Founded in 1985 by its artistic director Greg Dikmans, the Elysuim ensemble has a flexible format, with a small core membership drawn from Australia's leading period instrument specialists that is expanded for larger orchestral works. The ensemble presents an annual concert series in Melbourne that has established its reputation as one of Australia's finest chamber ensembles. It has performed extensively in Australia, including appearances at major festivals, and made numerous live broadcasts and concert recordings for the ABC. The Elysium Ensemble is affiliated with the Early Music Studio at the University of Melbourne.
Artist's website: www.elysiumensemble.com
Elysium Ensemble is featured on the following titles
Venice to Versailles
Venice and Versailles represent the two dominant and contrasting styles of music in Europe during the Baroque period: Venice, the robust, joyous exuberance and barocco character of the Italian style, and Versailles, the refinement, delicacy, elegance and douceur of the French.
Performer
Producer
The Bedroom of the King (La Chambre du Roi)
Intimate music from the court of Versailles and the salons of Paris performed by eminent Early Music ensemble, Elysium.
Members of Elysium Ensemble
Greg Dikmans
As a virtuoso of the baroque flute and recorder, conductor, educator and scholar, Greg Dikmans has been at the forefront of the Early Music movement in Australia for a number of years.
Lucinda Moon
Currently based in Adelaide, Lucinda is a member of Chacona and concert-master of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra with whom she has recorded for ABC Classics.
Genevieve Lacey
Genevieve Lacey is a recorder virtuoso who creates new possibilities for her instrument. Her awards include an ARIA, Helpman (Namatjira), Churchill Fellowship, Freedman Fellowship, Best Performance (Australian Music Awards) and Outstanding Musician (Melbourne Prize for Music). Genevieve holds academic and performance degrees (including a doctorate) in music and English literature from institutions in Melbourne, Switzerland and Denmark.
Elizabeth Anderson
Elizabeth Anderson has performed in no less than eleven international concert tours to Europe, Japan and Singapore. She is a regular guest lecturer and performer at universities and music schools throughout Australia.
Linda Kent
Linda has been a core member of the Elysium Ensemble and has performed with such notable artists as Walter van Hauwe, Han Tol, Eva Legène and Stanely Ritchie. Her playing has been critically acclaimed for its sensitivity, insight and sense of style.
Calvin Bowman
Calvin Bowman is acknowledged to be one of Australia's finest young musicians. He is well known as an outstanding musician who strives to attain nothing less than perfection.
Miriam Morris
Miriam Morris studied the viola da gamba with Wieland Kuijken and Jane Ryan. Her career has included many solo appearances and collaborations with leading early music ensembles, particularly in Australia.
Ann Murphy
Ann teaches harpsichord and thorough bass at the University of Melbourne, and has given numerous recitals in Australia both as a soloist and in ensemble, and has recorded for the ABC.
John O'Donnell
Currently Director of Ensemble Gombert John O'Donnell studied at the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music in Sydney and the University of Durham. Since performing the complete organ works of Bach in 1974 he has enjoyed an international reputation as an organist and harpsichordist.
Stephen Freeman
Stephen Freeman (violin) is a member of Elysium Ensemble, principal second violin with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, and performs regularly with the Sydney ensemble Salut!
Anne Gilby
One of Australia's outstanding oboists and teachers, Anne studied with Jiri Tancibudek, Leon Goossens, Helmut Winschermann and Maurice Bourgue.
Margaret Waugh
Margaret Waugh has appeared as principal cellist with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra on ABC Classics' recording of Handel arias featuring Graham Pushee (1994) and Yvonne Kenny (1998), and has played with the ABO since its inception in 1988.
Julie Hewison
Julie Hewison teaches violin and viola and is head of strings at Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School.
Ruth Wilkinson
Ruth Wilkinson is a recorder and viol player whose musical expertise and passions are based on the performance of music from the 12th to the 18th century. Her performances have been praised for their musical integrity, imagination and brilliance.
