No strings attached for versatile cellists

No strings attached for versatile cellists

Five centuries of musical history will be explored in Leichhardt Town Hall next month, with an ensemble of cellists hoping to prove their instrument of choice is more versatile than you might think.

“The cello is the only instrument that has the full range of the human voice,” said John Benz, principal cellist for Sydney’s Metropolitan Orchestra.

“From the very lowest note that any male can sing, to the very highest note that any female can sing.”

The Metropolitan Orchestra’s cellists will be covering repertoire from Bach to the Beatles. The mid-sized orchestra was formed in 2009, and has gained prominence by mixing classical music with the sort of tunes not usually associated with a symphony orchestra. It played at the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular at the Sydney Opera House last year.

It’s the cello’s sheer range that makes it such a good fit for modern, up-tempo pop hits as well as centuries-old melodies. The instrument’s ability to cover so much ground means Mr Benz and his ensemble are following in the footsteps of some pretty unique musicians.

“There have been some pop groups for cello, like these Finnish guys [called] Apocalyptica that pretty much look like a heavy metal band but on cello,” Mr Benz said.

But while the cellists of the Metropolitan Orchestra may resemble black-clad musicians rather than black-haired goths, the group does have an inner heavy metal streak themselves, which will be on show when they perform in Leichhardt later this month.

“When you get to the Metallica, you’re really playing pretty grungy, hard rock stuff, and then the cello sounds a bit like an electric guitar.”

Music from every century of the last 500 years will be covered during the hour-long show, as well as music from every continent.

“[We’re] imitating the sounds of the instruments that they used 400, 300 years ago.”

The group is performing as part of Leichhardt Council’s Site and Sound initiative, which gives artists the opportunity to use the Town Hall at no cost to stage a show or an event.

This year’s event comes as the council prepares to respond to last year’s Live Music and Performance Action Plan, released by the City of Sydney, which investigates ways to balance encouragement of late-night live music venues with residents’ noise concerns.

The Parramatta Road Live Music Zone Reference Group will report back in June or July on how the recommendations can support Parramatta Road’s development as a live music precinct.

The cellists of the Metropolitan Orchestra will perform at Leichhardt Town Hall at 3pm on May 11. Adult tickets are $25 and concession tickets $20. To book, visit metorchestra.com.au/tickets or phone 8007 7131.

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