The life and times of Edwardian composer Liza Lehmann was brought to life through narrative and song in the presentation of “In A Persian Garden” by the Dunolly Gilbert and Sullivan Society at The Rex Theatre last Saturday afternoon.
A quartet of accomplished vocalists, along with pianist Geoff Urquhart and narrator Rachel Buckley related the evolution of the composer’s life and her journey as a singer before her transition into the creation of songs and song cycles.
As a “maker of songs” Liza’s privileged upbringing and connection with the musical elite through her parents and extended family made for fertile ground upon which to build her career. Through quotes and anecdotes Rachel Buckley wove the narrative, which during the first half of the program, showcased a number of the composer’s whimsical and heartfelt songs.
Singers Helen Hill, Amelia Le Plastrier, Ian Woolford and Brett O’Meara presented individual numbers ranging from the quirky (“If No One Ever Marries Me”) to the rousing (“Constables of Hammersmith”), the nonsensical (“Lobster Quadrille” for four voices), the touching (“When ‘er a Snowflake Leaves the Sky”) and finishing with Rachel Buckley’s rendition of “There are Faries at the Bottom of the Garden”.
This introductory segment not only revealed the caliber of the performer’s talents, but also set the scene for the song cycle of “In A Persian Garden” which comprised the second half of the performance.
Featuring words selected from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam – a medieval Persian poem which gained great popularity following its translation and publication in 1859 – Liza Lehmann’s handling of the text and using four voices instead of just one to portray elements of the poem was an unusual approach. The program notes explain the breakdown of singers as follows: “the tenor represents a young lover, the bass, a philosopher, the contralto, something of the harbinger of doom, the soprano, again a lover, but with a tendency towards spiritual exploration.”
While only a short piece (just 40 minutes), the work is vocally demanding as pianist Geoff Urquhart explained after the show. The opportunity for the audience to meet and talk with the cast following the performance was also bonus for both, and something which was very much appreciated by the singers who spent time conversing and receiving praise as the crowd dispersed.
The Rex would like to acknowledge the enthusiasm which Rachel Buckley has shown for the venue and which, through her many musical networks, has created opportunities for bringing quality musical content to the region.
From the audience response last Saturday there is a strong appetite for more of the same!
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 27 June 2025.
