Jane Rutter, Flute
Gavi Duncan,
Didgeridoo
The Street Theatre 21
September
Reviewed by Len Power
The first of three Jane Rutter ‘salons’ at The Street
Theatre, ‘Flute Spirits & the Seasons’ was a delightfully relaxed evening
of fine music, ranging from classical to modern and nicely judged international
items in between.
Joined onstage by Aboriginal elder, Gavi Duncan, on
didgeridoo, the performance commenced with ‘The Minstrel Boy’. The combination of flute and didgeridoo
produced a delicate and timeless sound that was very enjoyable.
This was followed with a nicely balanced set of works by
Debussy, Vivaldi, Devienne, Irving Berlin and Ross Edwards as well as mystical
Indian and melodic Irish pieces. Electronic
loops added an extra dimension to some items and Jane Rutter gave additional
meaning to the music with well-spoken linking prose by writers such as Patrick
White, Anaïs Nin and Persian poet, Rumi.
Everyone in the audience would no doubt have their own
favourites but the standouts for me were the Chinese song, ‘Far Distant
Places’, ‘Spirit of the Earth’ with the words of Patrick White from ‘Voss’,
‘Yugala – Pan and the Brolgas’, ‘Kokopelli and Esu Talk Of Home’ and Rutter’s
distinctive arrangement of Irving Berlin’s ‘Blue Skies’.
Ten solo gold, silver, bamboo classical and ethnic flutes
and whistles were played during the performance with Jane Rutter giving an
interesting explanation of the qualities of each of them. With her down-to-earth, relaxed delivery, she
shared her obvious love for her instruments with an audience. There is nothing remote about her
performance. You don’t just watch her
perform – she has the ability to draw you in and become part of it all.
Continuing the ‘salon’ experience in the foyer, there was
champagne after the performance with the opportunity to mingle and chat with
Jane Rutter, Gavi Duncan and other audience members. Two more Jane Rutter ‘salons’ will follow in
October and November.
This review was first
published in the Canberra City News digital edition of 22 September 2018.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast in his ‘On Stage’ performing arts radio program on Mondays
and Wednesdays from 3.30pm on Artsound FM 92.7.
