FCO founder Hans Hug.

A PEACE concert in North Perth on May 22 promises to help the audience explore their feelings toward the Russo-Ukranian war through music.

Fremantle Chamber Orchestra’s performance has been titled To Peace, and reflects creator, director and cellist Hans Hug’s response to war once again breaking out in Europe.

Mr Hug grew up in Switzerland during the Cold War and did his share of military service before moving to Australia 30 years ago, but says the thought of bombs falling in the modern era is “unbelievable”.

He said To Peace will take the audience on an emotional journey, reflecting on concepts such as suffering, grief, violence, and hope for the future. 

Journey

“We arranged these compositions to take the listener on the journey of peace,” Mr Hug said.

One of the pieces featured is Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, composed during one of his grimmest moods as Russia struggled through World War I and faced looming revolution.

It opens with a melody harking back to the ancient Roman funeral mass, but the wordless melody sung on a single vowel captures a beauty that triumphs over the sadness of its minor key.

Mr Hug said it would be a great opportunity for orchestral novices to dip a toe into classical music, and said it was staged as a way to “give back to the community”.

To Peace, featuring Rachael Aquilina conducting, is on May 21 at the Fremantle Town Hall, but if you’re busy it’s also being staged at the Redemptorist Monastery in North Perth on May 22, both at 3pm.

Tickets and more details can be found at https://www. fremantlechamberorchestra.com/

by BRYCE GITTOS