Phillip Moll

Unsung heroes

06 July 2004

Accompanists are often the unsung heroes in music performances. While they can provide highly complex musical backing for other instrumentalists or vocalists to follow, their contributions to these performances are sometimes overlooked.

The Month of Accompanists aims to redress this situation by spotlighting some of Australia’s best accompanists such as Gabriella Smart, John Hall, Margaret Ferrie and Nerissa Pearce.

Launched in 2003 by the Accompanists’ Guild of South Australia, this month-long event gives these artists the opportunity to shine, offering them top billing throughout the concert series.

Making a special appearance at the event is the Guild’s International Patron, Phillip Moll. Born in Chicago, Phillip Moll has lived in Berlin since 1970. A prolific accompanist and ensemble artist, Moll has worked in Europe, North America and Asia, and has accompanied internationally acclaimed artists such as singers Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman, flautist James Galway and Korean violinist Kyung Wha Chung. He has also performed as a soloist with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, as well as several Australian orchestras.

Phillip Moll is set to perform on July 14 in a lunchtime concert featuring soprano Yuko Takemichi and flautist Elizabeth Koch. He will also present a Masterclass on July 15 featuring South Australian accompanists Alexander Hanysz, Anthony Hunt and Julie Sargeant.

The Accompanists' Guild secretary Diana Harris has said of Phillip Moll’s appearance at the festival, “It's incredibly rare for someone as busy as he is to offer their services and support so freely and willingly.”

Also performing at the series of concerts at Adelaide’s Pilgrim Church are Adelaide pianist Gabriella Smart, Queensland Opera repetiteur Nerissa Pearce and Elder School of Music accompanist John Hall.

- Alex McDonald