Tag Archives: classical

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Gareth Koch & Jan Daxner Release Single ‘La Rotta’

Originating in 14th-century Italy, La Rotta is essentially the medieval equivalent of a hype song. 

The Vibe: It’s an energetic dance. It features driving, repetitive rhythms, syncopation, and a rhythm that gives it an infectious, foot-tapping quality. 

If you were a peasant in the Middle Ages, this is the tune that got you dancing. The composition is built for high-energy instrumentation 

Although La Rotta has been bouncing around since the medieval period, it still feels remarkably modern. Its repeating, cyclical rhythm has a foundational groove.  

In this version?Gareth is joined by Viennese flute virtuoso Jan?Daxner.?The duo?creates?an imaginative?interpretation brimming with embellishments & whimsy. 

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

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Gareth Koch & Jan Daxner Release Single ‘La Volta’

From his massive 1612 dance collection Terpsichore, Michael Praetorius’ La Volta is a high-energy Renaissance party-starter that practically demands you jump around. Modelled after the favourite dance of Queen Elizabeth I, this short and snappy tune is characterized by a ‘scandalous’ rhythm—shifting between 6/8 and 3/4 time—designed to make courtly couples leap and turn in a dizzying, joyous blur. This cheerful, brisk piece of musical sunshine proves 17th-century Germany definitely knew how to have a good time.

In this version Gareth is joined by Viennese flute virtuoso Jan Daxner. The duo creates an imaginative interpretation brimming with embellishments & whimsy, emulating the colourful character of La Volta.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

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Gareth Koch & Jan Daxner Release Single ‘Canario’

Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger was a composer & virtuoso player of the lute in the early Baroque period. He was born in Venice or possibly Rome, the son of a German nobleman who served at the House of Habsburg. His highly inventive playing style attracted the attention of the Roman aristocracy.  

In this unique & innovative version of Canario Gareth is joined by Viennese flute virtuoso Jan Daxner. The recording presents a fresh & buoyant reading of Kapsberger’s work in an arrangement for guitar & flute. The duo creates an imaginative interpretation brimming with embellishments & whimsy, emulating the colourful character of Kapsberger’s writing & legendary performances. Canario is the first in a series of singles to be released by Gareth & Jan. The duo tours Europe in June 2027. 

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

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Gareth Koch Releases Album ‘Flamenco Latino from Seville to Santiago’

Now close to clocking over 800K Streams already this album is one to watch, lively, upbeat and a pure aural pleasure it is no wonder these tunes from Gareth are striking a chord with listeners worldwide

Flamenco Latino showcases Gareth Koch as a brilliant flamenco guitarist at the height of his creative, technical and expressive powers. This full-length album is brimming with flamenco passion and astonishing technical mastery. The interpretations range from blindingly fast and rhythmic solos to soulful interpretations capturing the very essence of flamenco. The music reflects the sound of the Gypsies, the passion of flamenco, and the irresistible rhythms of Andalucia.

Also Available on CD in selected stores and Mail Order Here

Gareth first encountered the flamenco guitar as a young teen in Spain, where he received lessons with local flamenco guitarists. He went on to study classical guitar in Vienna and Spain, but retained a lifelong relationship to Spain and flamenco music. His album Flamenco Latino is the manifestation of this connection, presented here as a dedicated flamenco album.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

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Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Rumba Nostalgica’

The lyrical and energetic Rumba Nostalgica reflects the sound of the Gypsies, the passion of flamenco, and the irresistible beats of Cuba. The rumba dance style consists of elements from the Romany tradition in southern France & Catalonia, flamenco from the south of Spain, & rhythms imported from the Caribbean.

Presented here as an arrangement for four guitars, Gareth expands Juan Martin’s Rumba Nostalgica into a subtly orchestrated work. The result is brimming with percussion, counter melodies & pulsating rhythm, whilst retaining an uncompromisingly flamenco spirit.

Recorded with Australia’s leading guitarists Slava Grigoryan, Karin Schaupp and Leonard Grigoryan, collectively known as Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet, their ensemble won an ARIA in 2003 for ‘Best Classical Album’.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

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Fiona Joy Hawkins Releases Album ‘When Shadows Talk’

VINYL OUT NOW 180Gram Gatefold Audiophile LP
‘When Shadows Talk’ offers musical storytelling that explores inward and outward reflection. “Many of the pieces are about my creative process as an artist and bring to life behind-the-scenes workings of what it takes to dig deep enough to find valuable conversations.” – FJH

I went into a self-imposed lockdown for much of the writing to find my creative centre. This exile allowed me to explore what lies deep beneath the surface and is often passed over or suppressed, both personally and in the context of broader community discussion.

The project threw up many obstacles, starting with the need to find another piano on the first day of recording. My plans were plagued with multiple instrument and venue issues, but fortunately, those involved were committed to helping me bring the project to life. My thanks go to Peter Stevenson (Producer), Michael Luchich (Engineer), Wayne Stuart (Piano Maker) and Tony Prince (Piano Tuner).

As I look back, I can laugh at the comedy in all that went wrong: Three broken strings, a “buzz” in A above middle C (A4) caused by a screwdriver left inside the piano, wood-chopping, lawn-mowing, dog barking, council truck (road works), rain (tin roof), building frame expansion/contraction, power outage (for 2 hours), mic connection issues… and that didn’t include the piano player/composer hitting the wall from exhaustion and frustration!

Despite extensive hold-ups, we did it, and I hope you, as the listener, find a work of beauty that holds something of value.

ARIA nominated Australian classically trained Pianist, Composer and Singer, crossing genres from Neoclassical to New Age, Celtic and Jazz.

‘My greatest hope is that my music makes a difference.’ Fiona Joy Hawkins produces original ethereal music to soothe the soul. It is also a passion to make music videos to tell the stories of our lives and the natural world around us.

Living in rural Australia, Fiona has played at New York’s Carnegie Hall, the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Sydney Opera House, Echoes/NPR Radio, Grammy Museum & concert halls of China. Inspired by Chopin & Mendelssohn. Winner of International awards, including: ‘Grace’ on Grammy-winning album, and ARIA Finalist, IMA Winner.

“Anyone who can write music that transcends genre and moves into the realm of self-examination is a person to follow and enjoy. Wonderful!” – John M. Crossett, Aural Musings

“For me, she is a modern female Beethoven. I know that is very high praise, but I think many folks will be looking back many years from now, and she will still be current. That is what makes her music stand the test of time. Her albums play smooth, like a good book you just can’t put down, and yet before you know it is over.” – Dave Wilson AudioAficionado.org.

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Silphie Releases Music Video for ‘Blossom Fairy Queen’

An Australian neo-classical quartet, Silphie’s newest song is the quaint, old-worldly ‘Blossom Fairy Queen’ that carries a serene sensation of calmness, the delicate notes washing over the senses.

A blend of enchanting folktronica and haunting neo-classical tones melded to the gorgeous, operatic vocals of singer-composer Michaele Archer (who sings in English and Latin), ‘Blossom Fairy Queen’ will transport you to a medieval landscape in Renaissance Europe.
Rich in emotive strings alongside harmonium and classical guitar that carry poignant feels of spirituality, the song is centred around themes of eternal love, creation and the circle life.
Archer is joined by Rachel Whealy (cello), Giuseppe Zangari (guitar) and Gab Steele (viola) to form Silphie. “‘Blossom Fairy Queen’ was one of those gifts of a song that came all at once on a balmy spring evening,” shares Michaele. “The big theme of the song is the eternal, powerful nature of love.
“It’s also about the mystery of creation and the circle of life, so it’s beautiful that our viola player Gab Steele was pregnant with her first child when we filmed the clip.”

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“Working with Benjamin Fraser, who I would describe as a genius Renaissance person, is a wondrous experience every time,” Michaele says. “Benjamin created hair and make-up (with Taylor Anne) and made the jewellery headband as well as the vision for filming and editing.
“Things are always an adventure as Benjamin loves to let things unfold spontaneously on the day within the plan. So sometimes unexpected things happen and Benjamin’s way of directing makes you feel comfortable, expressive and brave!
“We are super grateful and happy that our other film clip for this project created by Benjamin, ‘Sulpicia’s Birthday’, has received three offical selections in film festivals and an Award of Excellence in the Women’s International Film Festival.
“The lovely thing about this group is we are all old friends so our filming projects and rehearsals are joyous and chilled. There’s a lot of love!” Gab adds: “It’s always such a pleasure to work with everyone! I actually went to high school with Benjamin, so we met over 20 years ago!”
Set to release their album ‘Garland The Love Poems Of Sulpicia’ in February, Silphie have already enjoyed positive feedback about ‘Blossom Fairy Queen’.
“There is something about this song that seems to resonate with people,” Michaele says. “We played some new material from the album as part of the Tubular Festival/Gossy weekender recently and had amazing feedback.
“Maybe it’s the message of love and connection or the slightly Celtic feel. For people to let us know they felt moved and make such lovely comments makes everything worth it! We hope people enjoy the clip as well.”

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Silphie Releases Single ‘Blossom Fairy Queen’

Blossom Fairy Queen is dedicated to our loved ones who have passed. The song was one of those gifts of a song that seemed to arrive whole. I sat down to the piano and just played and sang the whole song. The creative experience is so exhilarating when things flow like that!

Our loved ones never leave us. Energy can not be created or destroyed. I hold onto that and send you prayers and love. In turn I feel love returning to me, to us. It’s a subtle, cosmic feeling. Our perception of time is linear in modern life. So many boxes to tick along the way! I’ve missed a few. Every now and then I feel that connection to the moment, to something more, something infinite. That’s when love comes through and I know your energy goes on. You mind my life.

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About 

Michaele Archer is an Australian classically trained singer and composer and has performed nationally and internationally in Opera, Oratorio and concert. Michaele loves collaboration and unusual projects and highlights have included performances of “Brackish Songs” by indigenous composer Christopher Sainsbury and the first live performances of Schubert’s “Erlking” with a sand animation by Californian creator Benny Zelkowicz. Her original recording project “Galatea” was released in 2019.

Silphie is a collaboration with Michaele Archer (composer/vocal and harmonium), Rachel Whealy (cello), Giuseppe Zangari (guitar) and Gab Stelle (viola). The name Silphie comes from the ancient world’s herb Silphium which was used for everything from perfume and cooking to medicine. The latest recording project by Silphie, “Garland, the love poems of Sulpicia” is inspired by rich, raw sounds of analogue, alto instruments and ancient Latin poetry.

Sulpicia is a female voice that was lost for many years and her 6 love poems form the text for this project. Sulpicia lived around the time of Augustus in the first century BCE and her work is one of very few written by a Roman woman to survive. Her poems were published in a collection by the Roman male poet Tibullus and were originally attributed to him. Sulpicia’s Garland of poems tells the story of a secret love affair.

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Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Satie’

 The Gnossienne No. 1 by Satie (originally for piano) has a ghostly and ethereal quality, with the melody floating above a hypnotic chordal texture. The rhythm is almost dance-like, yet there are no bar lines in the score. The resultant swaying effect almost feels like an exotic waltz. The overall effect of the music is surreal & mysterious.

 Satie is often credited as the pioneer of ambient music, a genre which allows the listener space for contemplation & reflection.  Gareth’s transcription for classical guitar lends an intimate quality to the piece while adding a unique and plaintive soulfulness.

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About Gareth

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter.  He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects & has released a succession of collaborative albums with Martin Kennedy & with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). His recent release ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 star review from The Sydney Morning Herald. Gareth’s current output has a strong rock bias with classical overtones & his writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music.

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