Elena Kats-Chernin

On Arts Wednesday 25 October 2017, Sylvia’s guest was acclaimed and beloved composer, Elena Kats-Chernin, who turns 60 next month. The conversation looks back over Elena’s career and the sheer exuberance of her personality makes for compelling listening.

By way of introduction, we listened to Lullabye for Nick from the CD Butterflying. Elena composed the piece when she was five years old and reworked for her youngest son. The music is performed by Tamara-Anna Cislowska and the CD is published by ABC records:

Here is Part 1 of the conversation:

We then listened to the very popular Eliza Aria from Wild Swans, a ballet choreographed by Meryl Tankard and scored by Elena. This recording is also from ABC and features Jane Sheldon with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

Now for Part 2 of the conversation:

The next piece of music comes from the Hush Music Foundation, Hush Vol 13: The Magic island. Elena’s composition is called The Dance of the Paper Umbrellas, performed by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra:

Now for Part 3 of the conversation:

This next piece of music is Russian Rag, the all-time favourite from her CD Ragtime and Blue, performed by Sarah Nichols and Nicola Sweeney. The CD is on the Signum Classics label:

And this is Part 4th and final part of the conversation:

The last music selection is Butterflying, the title track of the CD we heard at the beginning of the conversation. This track is performed by Tamara-Anna Cislowska and Elena herself. Somewhat incongruously, this delicate piece of music was performed at the opening of the Rugby World Cup!