The Johann Strauss Ensemble, led by the Australian violinist Russel McGregor, is obviously best-known for their renditions of the classics from the Johann Strauss repertoire. Yet on an Australian tour, they unveiled a version of the Australian standard, “Waltzing Matilda”, that caught the listeners’ attention. They have been playing it in concert for a few years. The news is that they have finally recorded a version, with an arrangement by Werner Steinmetz.
Barbara Sememov had this to say about it after a concert: “On the subject of the Australian imprint, that ‘our‘ Russell McGregor adds to the Austrian musicians, I must mention the wonderful adaptation of “Waltzing Matilda”, with which the musicians surprised the audience at the end of their performance. The standing ovation saw many of the listeners moved to tears, – so strongly have they been touched by the music. The sounds of Australia were resonating with everyone in the hall, be it the wide spectre of the ethnic groups present – the Austrians, Swiss, Germans, Czechs, Irish, Hungarians, Slovenes or the Australians.”
Although listed as being available on Spotify and elsewhere, I could not find it. If anyone has a link, feel free to drop it in the message.
New years concerts 2020/2021
Meanwhile, the Johann Strauss Ensemble have announced New Year’s Eve and New Year’s concerts in the Musiktheater Linz – Upper Austria that will doubtless include “Waltzing Matilda”
December 31 2020, 5pm Russell McGregor
December 31 2020, 7.30pm Russell McGregor
January 01 2021, 7.30pm Russell McGregor