This series is designed for anyone who'd like to learn something new about some of the most prominent composers in history. You might know Brahms, Mahler, Haydn and Schoenberg... or you might not. You might be studying music in school, a lifelong classical music lover, or new to classical music. It doesn't matter. All we ask is that you come curious and ready to listen closely. No musical or artistic training is needed!
Each episode starts with a short talk by British conductor Jonathan Berman, who is known for his jargon-free and cross-artform approach to sharing complex ideas with all audiences. He draws on examples in visual art and sculpture and points out musical details you might not have noticed before. Together, you'll discover nuances that bring the music to life. If you don't have any artistic or musical training, don't worry! It's not needed.
After the talk, you'll be treated to a recital of the music, up close and in high quality film (4K) and sound. The performers are American pianist George Fu and Australian mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean.
The next discussion is scheduled for Thursday, 14th of January 2021 at 5-6pm UK time. Jonathan Berman, orchestral conductor and presenter/director of the series, will be joined by the two performers: George Fu and Lotte Betts-Dean. Ask questions, share your observations, or make a request. It's up to you!
You will receive details on how to join once you have purchased a ticket.
1. Johannes Brahms. Intermezzo Op. 117 No. 1
2. Gustav Mahler. Um Mitternacht (At Midnight) from Rückert-Lieder
3. Joseph Haydn. Piano sonata in E flat No. 59, 1st movement
4. Arnold Schoenberg. Six Little Piano Pieces Op. 19
"WOW wow wow - truly fascinating. I learnt a lot, and George Fu plays beautifully. I will certainly search out some more Brahms after this."
"George Fu and Lotte Betts-Dean's performances were so strong, youthful and energetic."
"Jonathan is a natural and inspiring communicator."
"I loved having my own private lunchtime recital every day this week. 30 minutes is just the right length to fit into my day."
"So needed at this time: can we have more please!"
Postcards From Vienna is sold as a set of four 30-minute programmes. The price is £65, and reduced rates are available for early bookers, freelance artists, students and key workers. Group access codes for schools and organisations are available on request.
Postcards From Vienna was launched on the 9th of November 2020, with the four episodes becoming available on the Monday to Thursday, and live video discussion with Jonathan Berman on Friday 13th at 5-6pm UK time. From the 14th of November 2020, we made this series available for people to watch on their own schedule.
Postcards is open to anybody and we are taking special care to provide easy access to people for whom technology can be challenging. If you have any queries concerning access or the technical aspects of this programme, please contact us at hello@greengageventures.com and we will be delighted to help.
Postcards From Vienna is one of a string of projects by Greengage Ventures, all of which stimulate creative innovation in digital arts performances, create paid work for artists during the COVID-19 pandemic, and demonstrate the power of the arts to bring people together.
Greengage Ventures does not receive any grant or government funding, and is pursuing a vision of financially-sustainable digital performances built on earned income streams. Box office revenue goes towards recouping production costs so that Greengage can continue making more paid work for more artists. As an online-only company, Greengage has very limited overhead costs. All artists are paid for their work. Postcards From Vienna was filmed at the Austrian Cultural Forum in London in July 2020.
