carisma's Latest Albums

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Following on from the success of their albums Whispers and Lily’s Eyes, carisma, a unique and innovative Brisbane based trio of flute, harp and cello are delighted to release their third album Celtic Dreams on ABC Atmospheres. ABC Atmospheres is a sub-label of ABC Classics dedicated to sublime ambient music drawing on world, electronic, jazz and classical styles.  This CD presents a new look at the rich culture of Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  The pieces range from traditional tunes dating back to medieval times right up to the contemporary Celtic music that is alive and thriving today.

carisma was founded in late 2004 by Anna Stoddart (flute) and Janice Preece (harp) who have a long history of music–making together.  They teamed up with Louise King (cello) to create this enigmatic trio which makes eclectic and alluring music. Celtic Dreams was recorded 29th – 31st October 2008 at Ghostgum Studios, Cannon Hill, Brisbane.  For this album, carisma were joined by internationally renowned master drummer, David Jones from Melbourne and Michael Knopf, guitarist from Brisbane.

carisma will launch their CD at the following upcoming performances:

UPC0MING PERFORMANCES!
Wednesday 18th March 2009 – 11.00am
Centre Stage, Westfield Shopping Centre, Carindale
Hosted by ABC shop, Carindale

Sunday 22nd March 2009 – 2.00pm
Celtic Dreams Concert
Hosted by QIA Tara Singers
Queensland, Irish Association, Irish Club, 175 Elizabeth St, Brisbane
Tickets - $10
Call Anna on 0418 116610 to book

Tuesday 24th March 2009 – 12.30pm
Ithaca Auditorium, Floor 2, City Hall, Brisbane
Free concert – Doors open at 12 noon.
Dream – Classical Concert

What others are saying about Celtic Dreams….

“The Music Pages” February 2009

Emerging as if from some distant past, the heartbeat-like drum of percussionist-extraordinaire David Jones announces right from the outset that this Atmospheres release is going to be no ordinary carisma album. By turns enraptured and lyrical, “Celtic Dreams” is a glorious journey though the heartland of the greatest Celtic tunes. With Jones as guest artist, carisma’s own uniquely beautiful combination of flute, harp and cello takes on new dimensions, awakening all the magic and mystery of Celtic music in which traditional folk melodies come together with hauntingly ethereal contemporary Celtic sounds to transport the listener to a place of healing and calm. Classics like “The Last Rose of Summer” and “My Lagan Love” have never sounded more moving.

And from ABC Classics media release:

Carisma Celtic Dreams – haunting, ethereal, atmospheric

Ancient Celtic melodies have a unique power to lift the heart and heal the spirit. Centuries old, yet fresh as mountain air, they reach across the ages to bring their timeless beauty into busy modern lives.
In the hands of Brisbane trio carisma, the classic Celtic tunes take on a special magic, owing to the Welsh heritage of harpist Janice Preece – who grew up in the glorious landscapes of Snowdonia depicted on the album’s striking cover image.
The album’s journey through the heartland of the greatest tunes from Ireland, Scotland and Wales finds carisma’s harp, flute and cello combining to create a pure, gently seductive music that lives on in the heart. Traditional folk melodies come together with hauntingly ethereal contemporary Celtic sounds to transport the listener to a place of healing and calm.

Review by Jill Atkinson, Principal Harpist, TQO, Brisbane

The reason I want to write up the CD is because it is the most exciting CD Brisbane-based trio carisma  (harp - Janice Preece, flute - Anna Stoddart, and cello – Louise King) have produced to date. With the addition of drummer extraordinaire David Jones from Melbourne and local jazz guitarist Michael Knopf for selected tracks, this CD captures a really festive air, a real celebration of things Celtic.

This is a CD unlike any other from carisma. While you still have the typical richly-  sumptuous and lyrical sounds this group has made its name from, you now have some up-tempo numbers thrown in with a contemporary twist.  There is Brian Boru like you have NEVER heard it, some wonderful Welsh songs unknown to most, plenty of favourite Irish and Scottish airs, all with a freshness that leaps out from the disc at you, and even a little from the Corrs and Riverdance too!

The sound is utterly remarkable – thanks to master sound technician Geoff McGahan and the Ghostgum Studio at Cannon Hill. The arrangements also stand out from previous CDs –mostly created by harpist Janice Preece or sourced by commission from composers around the world. There was a fair amount of improvisation from the players once we got into recording mode too, which gives a wonderful spontaneity to the whole thing.

This CD was really created in the studio – on the studio floor if you like, all happening in 3 days – an extraordinary accomplishment, working to a tight time schedule with the trio effortlessly incorporating the different dynamics of 2 new players into their web. I felt totally privileged to sit in and watch it all unfold as an extra pair of ears – and got given the label of “co-producer” for my efforts!

It was a lot of fun to make, and the result is rather like being in an Irish pub with the musos jamming well into the night, which I think is the essence of Celtic music – the freshness and roguery and the raw emotion too – it is all there with this recording. I call it a contemporary slant on some old old music. It works really well for today’s ears.

Check it out at any ABC shop Australia-wide. Get the staff to play it in the shop for you– it will gather a crowd and they will sell all they have in stock! If none left get them to order more in!
Alternatively check out the website: www.carisma.com.au

carisma – Celtic Dreams

A JOURNEY OF WORLD MUSIC
This CD takes you on a delightful journey of world music… through the eyes of a young girl, Lily.  You’ll hear new music especially written for CARISMA by Australian and international composers, and experience the beauty of music from different cultures.  This time we were also joined by legendary percussionist, David Jones from Melbourne.

MUSIC FOR THE SOUL

Whispers, transports you to a world of love and beauty. Recorded on Atmospheres, ABC Classics , this album is sure to delight listeners with its versatile and beautifully crafted arrangements of classical and contemporary music.

These albums are available at ABC shops throughout Australia or online at

Buywell Just Classics http://www.buywell.com

Our albums are available for purchase at all concerts.

The Image Scene

Our recent launch at Westfield Carindale and Indooroopilly Shoppingtown for the ABC provided wonderful opportunities to showcase our latest CD to local audiences. Many thanks to ABC Carindale, ABC Indooroopilly and 612ABC Brisbane presenter, Spencer Howson for their continued support.

2008 at a glance...

• August 11 - Concert at Cleveland Uniting Church

2007 at a glance...

•  January 12 – Performance at Botanix, Wellington Point
•  February 4- Performance at Merrimac, Gold Coast
•  February 5 – Performance at Conrad Treasury Casino
• February 12 - Performance for Macquarie Financial Services at Stamford Plaza
• April 8 - Performance at Jupiters Casino
• May 10-  Performance atCentrestage, Carindale Shopping Centre for ABC
• June 2  - Performance for Treasury Casino Oaks Day, Eagle Farm Racecourse
• June 12- Performance of “French Whispers” at BCC Lunchtime Concert, City Hall
• June 15 – Concert + world premiere performances at Redland Museum
• June 23 – Performance at Bungunyah Manor, Mt Tamborine
• June 24 – “French Whispers” Concert for Maleny Arts Council
• June 27 – Performance for Telstra, Coomera
• September 23 – Concert for Caloundra Regional Art Gallery
• December 2 - Concert for The Harp Society Christmas celebrations
• December 7 - Concert and CD Launch with Guest Artist, David Jones at St Mary's Church, South Brisbane
• December 8 - Creative Rhythm Workshop with David Jones (percussion) and Concert at the Majestic Theatre, Pomona

2006 at a glance...

• February 14 - Performance at the United Services Club
• April 1 - Performance at Customs House, Brisbane
• April 10 - Whispers CD released
• April 11 - Performance at the Art Gallery, Brisbane
• April 28 - Performance at Sirromet Winery, Mt Cotton
• May 4 - Launch of the Whispers CD at Centre Stage, Carindale Shopping Centre with 612ABC presenter, Spencer Howson
• May 4 - Launch of the Whispers CD at the ABC Shop, Indooroopilly Shoppingtown.
• May 14 - Welsh Mother's Day concert for the Harp Society of Queensland
• May 20 - Carisma in Concert for the Friends of the Gold Coast Philharmonic Orchestra, Robina, Queensland.
• June 3 - Performance at Queensland Turf Club
• June 9 - Performance at Redcliffe Cultural Centre
• June 16 - Performance at St Mary's Church, South Brisbane, to raise funds for the Refugee Claimants Support
• July 17 - Performance at The Rugby Club Downtown, Eagle St Pier
• July 24 - Performance at Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast
• August 3 - Performance at Greenslopes Hospital
• August 10 - Performance for Macquarie Financial Services at Q1, Surfers Paradise
• August 16 - Performance for Air Services Australia at Marriott, Surfers Paradise
• September 2 - Performance at Sirromet Winery
• September 6 - Performance at Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast
• September 15 - Performance at Brookfield for International Woman's Global Opportunity Challenge
• October 25 - Performance for ASDA at Hyatt, Coolum
• October 27 - Performance for Engineers Australia at Customs House, Brisbane
• October 31 - Launch of Gold Club for Conrad Jupiters, Gold Coast
• November 5 - Performance at Customs House, Brisbane
• November 10 - Performance for NSW Leagues Club at Marriott, Surfers Paradise
• November 18 - Performance for Westpac at Sheraton Mirage, Gold Coast
• November 23 - Perfomance for VIP Guests at 21st Birthday Celebrations of Conrad Jupiters, Gold Coast
• December 13 - Perfomance for Redland Art Gallery Volunteers at Botanix Lifestyle Garden Centre
• December 14 - Instore promotions at ABC Carindale and Indooroopilly

2005 at a glance...

• December 2004 - ABC Shop appearance and radio interview for the opening of the ABC store at Garden City Shopping Centre (Mt Gravatt, Qld)
• April 2005 - French Whispers Concert – The Courthouse Restaurant (Cleveland, Qld)
• April 2005 - Queensland Art Gallery performance (Brisbane, Qld)
• May 2005 - The Brisbane Club performance (Brisbane, Qld)
• May 2005 - Brisbane City Council performance – Bella Donnas – Brisbane City Hall (Brisbane, Qld)
• June 2005 - Music By the Sea Festival - Baroque & Beyond – Sandgate City Hall (Sandgate, Qld)
• July 2005 - Cleveland State High School – Cavalcade of Movie Themes – Cleveland State High School (Cleveland, Qld)
• July 2005 – Bach & Beyond - Robert Channon Estate Winery performance (Stanthorpe, Qld)
• August 2005 – Surfers Paradise Art Gallery performance (Surfers Paradise, Qld)
• September 2005 – Performance for the Queensland Ambulance Service – Star Care Awards Ceremony (Brisbane, Qld)
• October 2005 - Sheraton Mirage performance (Gold Coast, Qld)
• October 2005 – National Australia Bank - Riverside Centre performance (Brisbane, Qld)
• October 2005 - Opening of Indy 2005 in the presence of Queensland Premier Peter Beattie (Gold Coast, Qld)
• October 2005 - Wedding of Leigh Matthews (Brisbane Lions Coach) – The Villa (Nerang, Qld)
• October 2005 – Christmas Launch - Peter Baker Finch store (Annerley, Qld)
• October 2005 - Sandgate State School – Music to the Schools performance – Sandgate Hall (Sandgate, Qld)
• November 2005 – Leagues Club Association of NSW performance - Marriott Hotel – (Gold Coast, Qld)
• November 2005 – Performance for the Queensland Harps Society (Spring Hill, Qld)
• December 2005 - New Years Eve performance at Marco Polo, Treasury Casino (Brisbane, Qld)