The flavour of this final POMEG concert of the year is overwhelmingly French.
The program is packed with iconic music which has its inception and heart in Paris and France. The variety of great items written by a large number of composers over a wide span of years, all dependent on their French influence, will be a delight.
This is pianist William Schmidt’s third concert in Bairnsdale. In 2023 he impressed the local audience with a splendid classical program. Last year he was joined by soprano Alison Jones, their music being devoted entirely to Gershwin. For this Sunday’s concert his solo piano includes greatly popular and loved pieces by Debussy, Faure and two arrangements by William himself of music by Bizet and the French phenomenon Edith Piaf.
And, yes, due to the fact that Chopin was inspired by musical life in Paris and the French countryside, William will play the popular Fantaisie-Impromptu and the Minute Waltz.
Accomplished soprano Alison Jones wowed her audience here last year when, with William accompanying, she performed some of the most loved Gershwin songs.
This year they are back together to present a wonderful range of French vocal favourites ranging from an operatic aria from The Pearl Fishers by Bizet to wonderful soprano songs by Faure, Delibes, Duparc, Satie, Poulenc and Piaf. Of course, the concert would be incomplete without the inclusion of Cole Porter’s I Love Paris.
Alison and William end their superb, diverse program with the beautiful love song Do Not Leave Me by Jacques Brel and, finally, a Les Miserables medley.
What a great end to POMEG’s 2025 season to have a concert featuring Alison Jones, William Schmidt and popular music with a French connection.
The concert is at Bairnsdale Uniting Church, corner of Great Alpine Highway and Lane’s Road, this Sunday, November 2, at 2pm.
Tea and coffee will be served during interval. Pay at the door. School students are free.
