Baroque Banter

Join host Genevieve Lang for a captivating conversation with director Netia Jones and conductor Erin Helyard as they explore Pinchgut Opera’s bold new production of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. This episode takes you behind the scenes of a daring reimagining of the 17th-century masterpiece filled with utterly beautiful music and kaleidoscopic splendour.

Pinchgut Opera Artistic Director Erin Helyard takes is into the glittering world of Restoration England with The Fairy Queen, a rich and whimsical semi-opera by Henry Purcell. Created in 1692 for the lavish court of William and Mary, this masterpiece fuses Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the era’s love of spectacle, music, and myth. In this episode, we explore how The Fairy Queen reflects the politics, tastes, and theatrical innovations of late 17th-century London—where dazzling masques met the genius of Purcell’s music. Discover how this enchanting work entertained elite audiences while subtly commenting on order, chaos, love, and monarchy in a time of political restoration and artistic renewal.

What makes the harpsichord so captivating? Join Australia’s finest harpsichordist and Pinchgut Opera Artistic Director, Erin Helyard, as he sits down with master harpsichord maker Carey Beebe for a deep dive into the artistry and allure of this remarkable instrument. Together, they explore the brilliance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations and why it was meant to be played on a two-manual harpsichord. Ahead of his solo concert on 1 & 2 March 2025 at City Recital Hall, Sydney, Erin shares insights into bringing this iconic masterpiece to life as Bach intended. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 Variatio 14 a 2 clav. Erin Helyard 2018 Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 Aria - Erin Helyard 2018 J. S. BACH: Goldberg Variations - Aira Wanda Landowska, harpsichord Victor 78rpm Album DM 1022 (11-8933 - 11-8938) Recorded in New York, June, 1945 Digital transfer by F. Reeder Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0Creative Commons License by ncsa Complete recording of Wanda's Goldberg Variations available at: https://archive.org/details/J.S.BACHGoldbergVariations-NEWTRANSFER

Step into the world of Pinchgut Opera’s landmark production of Handel’s Julius Caesar. Join host Genevieve Lang as she sits down with director Neil Armfield AO and conductor Erin Helyard to uncover the artistry, vision, and stories behind this history-making Australian operatic event.

Earlier on Baroque Banter we discussed French Imports, and looked at how Italian musicians found their way into France in the seventeenth century, and what the French did with their dances and their opera. Although the flow of music was very strong from Italy to France, French developments and dances also made their way to other countries. In this episode of Baroque Banter we discuss French exports in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries: we look at the French overture, French dances, French performance practice and French dancing masters!