Composer Margaret Brandman’s music is performed and recorded both in Australia and internationally. From time to time she performs her own works at selected concerts, as listed below. Apart from her orchestral and chamber works, her various albums include many of her own performances of her solo piano and piano duet works. Margaret has also been actively involved in recordings as piano accompanist for her substantial collection of duet works for voice and piano or instruments and piano.
Coro Austral directed by Margot McLaughlin, John Antoniou, Désirée Regina and Margaret Brandman (piano)
John Antoniou, Désirée Regina, Margaret Brandman, Margot McLaughlin
Elizabeth Hylton, John Antoniou, Irma Enriquez, Désirée Regina, Margaret Brandman, Maria Lindsay
Jucaro Rhumba D'Amor
Maria Lindsay and Irma Enriquez
The Eastern Spinebill and the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos Herald a Blue Mountains Bush Fire
Maria Lindsay and Irma Enriquez
In the Shadow of Uluru
Elizabeth Hylton and Margaret Brandman
Cosmic Wheel of the Zodiac Concert
Inside the concert hall
COSMIC WHEEL OF THE ZODIAC – CZECH PREMIERE
Held 14th September 2017 - 7.30 pm
The Czech Museum of Music in collaboration the Fibich Society of Prague, CZ hosted the concert series 'We have Guests'. Margaret Brandman's song cycle 'Cosmic Wheel of the Zodiac' was performed in the first concert of the series.
First Concert of the Prague Mixed Choir Concert Series "We have guests"
The Czech premiere of Brandman's song cycle 'Cosmic Wheel of the Zodiac' in two versions - choral settings and solo settings with piano. Performed by the Prague Mixed Choir & Prague Mixed Ensemble.
Held at the Concert Hall of the Czech Museum of Music
Karmelitská St 2, Prague 1, 118 00, Czech Republic
7.30 pm - 14th September 2017
Video Clip: Lion Love choral setting excerpt
The Prague Mixed Choir under the direction of Jiří Petrdlík, performing LION LOVE from the COSMIC WHEEL OF THE ZODIAC song cycle, in concert at the Czech Music Museum. 14th September 2017. Lyrics Benita Rainer. Music composed by Margaret Brandman.
Video Clip: UNIVERSAL TRUTH REMAINS choral setting
Universal Truth Remains is the Aquarius song from Margaret Brandman's COSMIC WHEEL OF THE ZODIAC song cycle. This excerpt is from the concert by the Prague Mixed Choir under the direction of Jiří Petrdlík in the concert hall of the Czech Music Museum 14th September 2017.
APRIL 2017 Airplay
On the 21st and 28th of April 2017, FINE MUSIC 102.5 FM in Sydney, Patrick Thomas presented two half - hour programs of Margaret Brandman’s Cosmic Wheel of the Zodiac song cycle, recorded by Baritone Martin Cooke and Margaret on piano, at the celebratory concert in September 2016. The programs also included several tracks from SENSATIONS.
...
Date
Work
Radio Station
10th April 17
Warm Winds in Havana
HRT Radio Croatia – ABRAZO feature
13th April 17
Firestorm Symphony
Radio Arts Indonesia
21st April 17
Cosmic Wheel of the Zodiac – songs 1-6 plus Love Brings Change and The Eastern Spinebill and the Sulphur -Crested Cockatoos Herald and Blue Mountains Bush Fire
Fine Music 102.5 Sydney Patrick Thomas - presenter
24th April 17
Undulations
ABC Classic FM – Morning programme
28th April 17
Cosmic Wheel of the Zodiac – songs 7-12 plus Jucaro Rhumba D’Amor
Fine Music 102.5 Sydney Patrick Thomas - presenter
Selected AIRPLAY instances January 2017 to March 2017
From SENSATIONS and ABRAZO:
...
Date
Work
Radio Station
13th Jan 17
Jucaro Rhumba D’Amor
Blue Mountains Radio 89.1
13th Jan 17
Havana Promenade
Blue Mountains Radio 89.1
30th Jan 17
Firestorm Symphony
Radio Arts Indonesia
Month of Feb
The Eastern Spinebill and the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos Herald and Blue Mountains Bush Fire
Making Waves – Spotify list
Month of Feb
SENSATIONS Album Podcast – 8th top download for the month
Classical Music Discoveries (USA)
2nd March 17
Firestorm Symphony
‘Intermezzo’ on KRWG TV/FM (Southern New Mexico and Far West Texas USA)
7th March 17
Lyric Fantasy
Radio Arts Indonesia
8th March 17
Undulations – 2nd Movt
ABC Classic FM – for International Women’s Day
8th March 17
Love Brings Change
Parma Spotify Playlist for IWD
14th March
Love Brings Change
Parma Spotify Playlist for Valentine’s Day
21st March
Autumn Rhapsody
ABC Classic FM
22nd March
Lyric Fantasy
Classical Discoveries ‘In Praise of Women’ series
23rd March
Lyric Fantasy
‘Intermezzo’ on KRWG TV/FM (Southern New Mexico and Far West Texas)
HOOKED ON FLUTES performed three of Margaret’s ‘Cosmic Wheel of the Zodiac’ songs arranged for two flutes and piano at a concert in England at St John the Baptist Church, Meopham, Kent
From the left, Dolores Smallcorn, Mark Underwood and Suzanne Dickinson.
Lady of Grace – Performance by Trombonist Gregory van der Struik accompanied by Pastor De Lasala on organ, at the Mosman Uniting Church, 23rd of October 2016. (NSW Australia)
Gregory van der Struik has held the position of Principal Trombone in the Australian opera and Ballet orchestra since 1987.
The Music of Margaret Brandman -
Celebratory CD Launch and Recital
Venue:
Recital Hall East, Conservatorium of Music, Sydney. Saturday September 3rd. 7.30 pm
This celebratory concert featured audio/visual selections from SENSATIONS & ABRAZO in addition to live performances of Autumn Rhapsody (piano solo) and newly composed art songs, Lady of Grace and The Baragoola Sails to Manly, performed by Margaret Brandman in association with guest artist Baritone Martin Cooke of the Bavarian State Opera Company.
The second half was entirely devoted to the Cosmic Wheel of the Zodiac Song Cycle, (lyrics by Benita Rainer) performed by Martin Cooke in association with Margaret Brandman.
View Margaret Brandman's Cosmic Wheel Song Cycle Sampler video below. The full concert DVD 'The Music of Margaret Brandman' can be ordered from the Order page here:
More photos of the evening are available on the photos page here.
Margaret holding the 2 new CDs
featured in the PARMA Blog.
Margaret's visit to PARMA in the USA and Sensations Airplay.
Read highlights of Margaret's visit to PARMA Recordings in the USA in the PARMA Blog here.
AIRPLAY log of radio air plays of Margaret's works from her Sensations CD:
May 2016
1) WPRB 103.3 FM - New Jersey
Classical Discoveries. 9.40 am 11/5/16 Marvin Rosen presenter Firestorm Symphony - Three Movements
2) WRUVplaystream.com (Burlington - USA) 17/5/16 9.32am Firestorm 3rd Movement
3) wcny.org. New York ' Fresh from the Wrapper' 19/5/16.
Binna Burra Dreaming
4) Hildegarde to Hildegarde- 19/5/16 www.soundartradio.org.uk Firestorm Symphony - Three Movements
Recording with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra in Olomouc in the Czech Republic in 2015.
In September 2015 Margaret supervised the performance and recording of many of her works in the Czech republic for a CD on the Navona Label. This clip is from Margaret's composition Love Brings Change (Adagio for String Orchestra) performed and recorded by the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Petr Vronski.
Margaret with Duo Deconet and the Ambassadors from Mexico and Venezuala
On the 9th of October 2014, Margaret attended
Duo Deconet's 'Soul of Latin America' concert
as guest composer.
The duo performed Margaret's 'Jucaro Rhumba D'Amor' for violin and piano as part of this concert which was presented at the ANU (Canberra) in conjunction with the Australian National Centre for Latin American studies. The ambassadors for Mexico, Venezuela and Ecuador were in the audience and they were the first to rise leading the standing ovation for Margaret's work.
Raúl Gangotena
Ambassador of Ecuador
Wrote to Margaret following the performance of her work 'Jucaro Rhumba D'Amor' by Duo Deconet.
"Dear Margaret,
It was a unique experience to listen to the beautiful piece you have composed for violin and piano, (Jucaro Rhumba D'Amor) last Thursday 9 October at ANU School of Music.
The standing ovation of the audience to you said it all. Your composition is delicate and luminous, with melodies that caress the spirit.
It was a privilege to be at a performance of your composition and to meet you personally.
Best regards
,
Raúl Gangotena
Ambassador of Ecuador
Canberra, Australia
Dutch Mezzo Soprano - Elisabeth Van Der Gulik with
pianist, Maarten Hillenius at a recent recital.
Maarten Hillenius and Elisabeth both live in Amsterdam. Martin regularly accompanies
singers at Dutch conservatories.
In the Netherlands in September 2014 Mezzo soprano Elisabeth Van der Gulik sang four of Margaret's songs from the song cycle 'Songs of Love and Desire'. She wrote;
"Morning Margaret,
I was very happy with the appreciation of my recital.
The audience were very pleased with the variety of the program.
Your songs were received as beautiful songs, for which I must have studied a lot, they said.
Many thanks for your beautiful songs,
Elisabeth
"
The four songs performed were
1) Desire
2) Secrets of a Trembling Passion
3) Catch me if you can
4) Do you remember?
RHAPSODIES TO RHUMBAS
23rd of August 2014
Following the 2013 successful concert in Penrith NSW, the concert was staged again in 2014 at the Zenith Theatre in Chatswood. Audiences experienced this joyous concert of Margaret's vocal and instrumental works ranging from Rhapsodies to Rhumbas to Jazz performed by an amazing complement of talented artists.
In addition to composer/pianist Margaret Brandman who performed her solo 'Autumn Rhapsody' and accompanied many of the ensemble works, the concert featured Duo Deconet performing Margaret's contemporary violin and piano works, mezzo soprano Joanne Burton, who presented five songs from Margaret's song cycle, Songs of Love and Desire, Yyani Rose on jazz vocals and the excellent new generation of players in the Brandmanburg saxophone quartet and jazz ensemble.
Concert Reviews: "This year I had the pleasure of compering one of Margaret Brandman's concerts at the Zenith Theatre in Chatswood. This was the first time that I had heard Margaret's music and I was amazed at her versatility ..."Read full review by Michael Morton-Evans, OAM, Presenter, Fine Music FM.
Margaret's spectacular 'Rhapsodies to Rhumbas' concert took place on
November the 9th, 2013, 7pm-9pm
.
An exciting celebration of the music of Margaret Brandman, performed by world-class musicians from Europe and beyond.
Audience members were treated to a night of stellar performances of the compositions of Australian composer, Margaret Brandman.
Featuring the composer, plus the finest musicians from Australia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Europe, the concert programme consisted entirely of Brandman compositions for various instrumental ensembles and singers, each introduced by Master of Ceremonies - Ross Hutchison.
"Hearing the saxophonist and the jazz players has ignited a new appreciation of the instrument and style of music…In fact every piece, every singer & every instrumentalist had their own unique brilliance. Thank you again Margaret for a magical evening!" Jennifer and Stan Comino.
This spectacular concert left audience members dancing, smiling and on a high note for days after.
"Your music made me happy and the feeling lasted a full 24 hours!" Benita Rainer."
MUSIC WITHOUT BORDERS
Duo Deconet premiered new music from Latin American and Australian composers.
This special event brought together living composers from both continents
through the influence of Latin American Rhythms.
Music from:Mexico - Miguel Bernal Jimenez, Alejandro Corona, Carlos Salomon,
Venezuela-Paul Dessene, Costa Rica-Eddie Mora,
Australia - Daniel Rojas, Margaret Brandman and Elena Kats-Chernin.
Venue: Mosman Art Gallery, Corner Art Gallery Way & Myahgah Rd, Mosman, NSW.
Date: August 10th, 6:30pm Sydney, Australia Contact: www.duodeconet.com.au
Margaret performing with Jazz stylist Joy Mulligan at the Grace Hotel in Sydney on Christmas Day 2010.
"Dear Margaret, Thank you for providing us with a special and beautiful moment for our trip.
Like Peter Sculthorpe, your own compositions lead your mind to create images, particularly of the landscape.
Although you could not see it when you were playing, the Autumn trees gliding past were a perfect background to your Autumn composition. Loved it!
Regards David
."
Dr Adrienne Wiley, Professor of Piano and Pedagogy, Central Michigan University USA
2013 Dr Adrienne Wiley writes: Dr. Mary Jo Cox, and I played your 'Spirit Visions' duet on my recital in Februrary 2103. It was an organ and piano/duet recital and went over really well--not only the recital, but your piece was a favorite as mentioned by colleagues, students, and friends.
On May 9th, 2013 I played "Winter Piece" at a recital for the Omaha Music Teachers, Omaha, Nebraska, May 9. They loved it!
I also played it for a church-related event 2012 On September 17th
2012
I played "Winter Piece" at the University of Illinois, School of Music, Smith Recital Hall USA
2011
In September 2011 – I performed Winter Piece in the Staples Family Recital Hall (500 seat venue) School of Music Central Michigan University, USA
These piano compositions were performed by Margaret at the concert presented during the World Forum held at St Catherine's College - Oxford University - England
In Blissful Serenity
Autumn Rhapsody
Love Brings Change
Jucaro Rhumba
Evanescence
Spiderswing
She also accompanied Elizabeth Van Der Gulik, who sang 'Secrets of a Trembling Passion'
And 'Do You Remember' from Margaret's song cycle Songs of Love and Desire
Meriel Owen, Donna Riles pianists and Margaret Brandman
17th of December Spirit Visions for two pianos was premiered by duo pianists Jenny Hammond and Frank O'Brien at a concert at the Joan Sutherland Centre in Penrith NSW.
Australian Performance of Songs of Love and Desire
Mother's Day Concert 2009 (May 10th) at the Bundeena Picture Gallery 58 Brighton Street, Bundeena Internationally acclaimed Mezzo Soprano - Desiree Regina and Margaret performed their song cycle - Songs of Love and Desire. Music by Margaret, lyrics by Desiree.
The Kammerorchester (chamber orchestra) der GEDOK performed Margaret's work 'UNDULATIONS' for String Orchestra at a concert of colours and sounds, during Kulturwoche in Heidelberg.
Margaret Brandman performed the following of her piano compositions at the concert presented for the International Congress on Society, Culture and the Arts in the Sheraton Moana Hotel Ballroom.
Sonorities
Winter Piece
Bach 'Arioso' arr. Brandman
Love Brings Change
Jucaro Rhumba
Spider-swing
She also accompanied Elizabeth Van Der Gulik, who sang three songs from Margaret's song cycle Songs of Love and Desire
Australian Performance 'Sonorities' at the Joan Sutherland Centre
SONORITIES" for piano was performed at the Joan Sutherland Centre in Penrith by Aaron McMillan. This work was part of a concert of Australian compositions all of which are included in Aaron's CD "Arc of Light"
'Lyric Fantasy' for piano and string orchestra, was premiered in Canberra by the Musica da Camera Orchestra with piano soloist Colin Forbes. 4th of Sept 1999
Duo Deconet's 'Soul of Latin America' concert
