Charisma at the Cathedral

Two of Perth’s most charismatic musicians – Baritone Andrew Foote and Pianist Mark Coughlan – are to perform a diverse repertoire in the Cathedral on 21 May – with a portion of the programme under wraps until the night.

The two major pieces chosen by Mark and Andrew are the romantic Dichterliebe (‘A Poet’s Love’) by Robert Schumann and Heinrich Heine, and Songs of Travel by Vaughan Williams and Robert Louis Stevenson – a metaphor for the journey of life.

The concert will also include various German Lieder and English humorous and classical pieces by writers such as Charles Ives, Jerome Kern and George Gershwin – all to be introduced during the evening by the performers.

“Andrew Foote and Mark Coughlan are two of the finest interpreters of the musical genre of solo voice and piano accompaniment,” commented the Dean, who is delighted to be welcoming the pair to perform in the Cathedral together for the first time.

Mark Coughlan & Andrew Foote in Concert – the second in the Cathedral’s 2010 Concert Series – will offer an intimate experience that diverges from the expansive choral, organ and orchestral works usually presented in St George’s.

The pieces range across the gamut of human emotions, from humour to despair, although only the two major works have been announced by the performers beforehand. All other pieces will be introduced by them on the night – creating an aura of anticipation among the audience.

“Their collaborative genius will immerse us in the individual immediacy of human emotion,” said Dr Shepherd.

Baritone Andrew Foote is one of Australia’s finest male singers and entertainers. Based in Western Australia, for the past 25 years he has been a regular guest artist for Western Australian arts companies, a regular national broadcast artist for ABC Classic FM, and a freelance principal artist performing throughout Australia with Opera Australia, OzOpera and West Australian Opera.

As a concert pianist, Mark Coughlan has performed in Europe, South East Asia and around Australia and broadcasts regularly on ABC Classic FM. He is Artistic Director of the Government House Ballroom concert series, Music on the Terrace, and is engaged in a range of arts activities as a pianist, musical director, lecturer and music critic for The Australian newspaper.

Mark Coughlan & Andrew Foote in Concert is on Friday 21 May at 7.30pm - tickets available from BOCS Ticketing or on the door subject to availability.