Baroque Banter

Pinchgut Opera
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MUSIC

We take the masterpieces of the Baroque era and make them feel alive today, vivid, thrilling performances that stay with you long after the final note. From dazzling opera to intimate concerts, Pinchgut brings together exceptional artists, fearless creative teams, and our acclaimed Orchestra of the Antipodes, led by ARIA Award-winning Artistic Director Erin Helyard. Experience the wonder of Baroque music – whether you’re a seasoned music lover or stepping into the theatre for the first time.

  1. Baroque Banter Episode 35: Farnace in Retrospect

    12/16/2025

    Baroque Banter Episode 35: Farnace in Retrospect

    To commemorate the release of the digital album release of the live audio recording of Pinchgut's 2019 production of Farnace, Conductor Erin Helyard chats with countertenor Christopher Lowrey and mezzo-soprano Helen Sherman to revisit the production. Together, they reflect on moments both on stage and off, while honouring the memory of beloved friends Taryn Fiebig, Max Riebl, and Jacqueline Dark, whose artistry and spirit left an enduring mark on Pinchgut and on all who knew them.

    28 min
  2. Baroque Banter Episode 34: Handel's Messiah: Origins and Afterlife

    11/19/2025

    Baroque Banter Episode 34: Handel's Messiah: Origins and Afterlife

    Recorded live at the State Library of NSW, this episode of Baroque Banter takes you on a captivating journey into the origins and afterlife of Handel’s Messiah. Ahead of Pinchgut Opera’s upcoming performance of the Original 1742 Dublin Version, Dr Erin Helyard, Artistic Director of Pinchgut Opera and Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, guides us through the rich history, context, and evolution of Handel’s masterpiece. The episode also features a special live performance by mezzo-soprano Ashlyn Tymms, accompanied by Erin on harpsichord. Select Bibliography Donald Burrows, Handel: Messiah (Cambridge Music Handbooks, 1991) Lydia Goehr, The Imaginary Museum of Musical Works: An Essay in the Philosophy of Music (Oxford, 1992) Charles King, Every Valley: The Story of Handel’s Messiah (Random House, 2024) Ruth Smith, Charles Jennens: The Man Behind Handel’s Messiah (Handel House Trust, 2012) Ruth Smith, Handel's Oratorios and Eighteenth-Century Thought (Cambridge University Press, 1995)

    49 min
  3. Baroque Banter Episode 33_The Intermezzo and Maid Made Boss

    07/30/2025

    Baroque Banter Episode 33_The Intermezzo and Maid Made Boss

    Join host Erin Helyard as he takes us on a sweeping exploration of the origins of Maid Made Boss, the tradition of the intermezzo, the political and philosophical tensions of mid-century Paris, and how one clever servant girl helped change the course of operatic history. Musical excerpt 1 - Taryn Fiebig as Erighetta and Richard Anderson as Don Chilone in Pinchgut Opera's "Erighetta e Don Chilone by Vinci (2017 Triple Bill). Conducted by Erin Helyard with Orchestra of the Antipodes Musical cxcerpt 2 - Taryn Fiebig as Erighetta in Pinchgut Opera's "Erighetta e Don Chilone by Vinci (2017 Triple Bill). Conducted by Erin Helyard with Orchestra of the Antipodes Musical excerpt 3 - Christian Immler as Uberto, "Aspettare e non venire" from La Serva Padrona - permission for use granted by Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Ensemble - Paul O’Dette and Stephen Stubbs Musical excerpt 4 - Amanda Forsythe as Serpina "A serpina penserete qualche" volta from La Serva Padrona - permission for use granted by Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Ensemble - Paul O’Dette and Stephen Stubbs Musical excerpt 5 - Christian Immler as Uberto "Son imbrogliato io già" from La Serva Padrona - permission for use granted by Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Ensemble - Paul O’Dette and Stephen Stubbs Musical excerpt 6 - from Pinchgut Opera's performance of Platée by Rameau, conducted by Erin Helyard with Orchestra of the Antipodes (2017) Musical excerpt 7 - from Pinchgut Opera's performance of Platée by Rameau, conducted by Erin Helyard with Orchestra of the Anitpodes. (2017) Closing excerpt from the Overture of Erighetta e Don Chilone by Vinci. Conducted by Erin Helyard with Orchestra of the Antipodes (Pinchgut Opera 2017) Music credits: Pergolesi: La serva padrona & Livietta e Tracollo ℗ 2023 CPO Released on: 2023-12-05 Orchestra: Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Ensemble Conductor: Paul O'Dette Conductor: Stephen Stubbs Lyricist: Genarro Antonio Federico Composer: Giovanni Battista Pergolesi

    31 min
  4. Baroque Banter: Episode 32 - Pre-performance podcast - The Fairy Queen

    05/26/2025

    Baroque Banter: Episode 32 - Pre-performance podcast - The Fairy Queen

    Join host Genevieve Lang for a captivating conversation with director Netia Jones and conductor Erin Helyard as they explore Pinchgut Opera’s bold new production of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. This episode takes you behind the scenes of a daring reimagining of the 17th-century masterpiece filled with utterly beautiful music and kaleidoscopic splendour.

    15 min
  5. Baroque Banter: Episode 31 - The Fairy Queen in context.

    05/06/2025

    Baroque Banter: Episode 31 - The Fairy Queen in context.

    Pinchgut Opera Artistic Director Erin Helyard takes is into the glittering world of Restoration England with The Fairy Queen, a rich and whimsical semi-opera by Henry Purcell. Created in 1692 for the lavish court of William and Mary, this masterpiece fuses Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the era’s love of spectacle, music, and myth. In this episode, we explore how The Fairy Queen reflects the politics, tastes, and theatrical innovations of late 17th-century London—where dazzling masques met the genius of Purcell’s music. Discover how this enchanting work entertained elite audiences while subtly commenting on order, chaos, love, and monarchy in a time of political restoration and artistic renewal.

    24 min
  6. Baroque Banter: Episode 30 Goldberg Variations and the harpsichord

    02/03/2025

    Baroque Banter: Episode 30 Goldberg Variations and the harpsichord

    What makes the harpsichord so captivating? Join Australia’s finest harpsichordist and Pinchgut Opera Artistic Director, Erin Helyard, as he sits down with master harpsichord maker Carey Beebe for a deep dive into the artistry and allure of this remarkable instrument. Together, they explore the brilliance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations and why it was meant to be played on a two-manual harpsichord. Ahead of his solo concert on 1 & 2 March 2025 at City Recital Hall, Sydney, Erin shares insights into bringing this iconic masterpiece to life as Bach intended. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 Variatio 14 a 2 clav. Erin Helyard 2018 Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 Aria - Erin Helyard 2018 J. S. BACH: Goldberg Variations - Aira Wanda Landowska, harpsichord Victor 78rpm Album DM 1022 (11-8933 - 11-8938) Recorded in New York, June, 1945 Digital transfer by F. Reeder Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0Creative Commons License by ncsa Complete recording of Wanda's Goldberg Variations available at: https://archive.org/details/J.S.BACHGoldbergVariations-NEWTRANSFER

    31 min
  7. Baroque Banter: Episode 29 - Pre-Performance Podcast - Julius Caesar

    11/08/2024

    Baroque Banter: Episode 29 - Pre-Performance Podcast - Julius Caesar

    Step into the world of Pinchgut Opera’s landmark production of Handel’s Julius Caesar. Join host Genevieve Lang as she sits down with director Neil Armfield AO and conductor Erin Helyard to uncover the artistry, vision, and stories behind this history-making Australian operatic event.

    16 min
  8. Baroque Banter: Episode 28 - French Exports

    10/05/2024

    Baroque Banter: Episode 28 - French Exports

    Earlier on Baroque Banter we discussed French Imports, and looked at how Italian musicians found their way into France in the seventeenth century, and what the French did with their dances and their opera. Although the flow of music was very strong from Italy to France, French developments and dances also made their way to other countries. In this episode of Baroque Banter we discuss French exports in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries: we look at the French overture, French dances, French performance practice and French dancing masters!

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We take the masterpieces of the Baroque era and make them feel alive today, vivid, thrilling performances that stay with you long after the final note. From dazzling opera to intimate concerts, Pinchgut brings together exceptional artists, fearless creative teams, and our acclaimed Orchestra of the Antipodes, led by ARIA Award-winning Artistic Director Erin Helyard. Experience the wonder of Baroque music – whether you’re a seasoned music lover or stepping into the theatre for the first time.

Information

  • Creator
    Pinchgut Opera
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Baroque Banter

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