Niki Vasilakis violin
Clemens Leske piano

Schubert Fantaisie in C major, D 934
Brahms Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major, Op. 78, Regensonate

Beryl Kimber (Leske) OBE was one of Australia’s finest violinists and much-loved Associate Professor of violin at the Elder Conservatorium, where she taught for over 30 years. Here, her son Clemens and student Niki Vasilakis pay her tribute with a touching program. Schubert’s late Fantaisie explored new harmonic territory and by incorporating thematic material from one of his many songs, he shifted between virtuosic and lyric moods, fully justifying his rare use of the title. Self-critical Brahms discarded five violin sonatas before deeming this one more worthy – Clara Schumann agreed, writing that her first play through had made her burst into tears of joy. Brahms joked about a 25% reduction in his fee as it had three not four movements but it is one of the most beautiful of all his works, clearly worth 100%!