Musica Viva Australia

Among the Birds and the Trees

Conservatorium Theatre, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University


3 May 2023
$58 - $109
Discounts Available

Concession, Youth, Groups

more info

Duration TBC

Sometimes a concert can be like a walk through a beautiful garden, with gorgeous blooms, intriguingly patterned ferns, and now and then a dramatic grass tree shooting skywards. The rather unusual line-up of instruments for this program offers just such an experience for the listener: a world of glowing sounds, with something entrancing around every corner of a gently twisting path. 

Creating this world are three of classical music’s acknowledged leaders. Adam Walker was appointed Principal Flute of the London Symphony Orchestra at 21; Anneleen Lenaerts became Solo Harp of the Vienna Philharmonic at 23; Timothy Ridout, youngest of the three, is that rare creature: a solo violist. 

This particularly mellow combination of instruments was the brainchild of Debussy, featuring in one of his very last pieces, the cornerstone of this concert. Planted around it are the meditative beauty of Takemitsu, the intensity of Soviet-era Gubaidulina, the joyous vigour of George Benjamin, and a choice selection of other musical blooms. 


Flute Adam Walker  
Viola Timothy Ridout 
Harp Anneleen Lenaerts

George BenjaminFlight 
Debussy Jardins sous la pluie 
TelemannFantasia in E-Flat Major, No. 7 
Debussy Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp 
Messiaen Le Merle noir 
Takemitsu And then I knew ‘twas Wind 
DebussyClair de lune 
Gubaidulina Garden of Joy and Sorrow 


Adam Walker plays … with exquisite grace and purity of tone.

- Gramophone

Timothy Ridout is that rare kind of musician who could play a cardboard box and make it sing.

- Guardian

Anneleen Lenaerts displayed dynamic finesse, nuance in articulation and jaw-dropping skill.

- Aspen Times

You may also like

Important Information

Accessibility at Queensland Conservatorium – South Bank

Our South Bank venues are fully accessible for mobility, vision or hearing-impaired patrons. For wheelchair access and assistance, contact Queensland Conservatorium Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on (07) 3735 6241 or via email at concerts@griffith.edu.au

Presented by Musica Viva Australia