NSW Flute Society Newsletter, July 2023
Jonathan Henderson & Szu Yu Chen | Flute & Piano Recital
“The afternoon flute & piano recital opened with J.S. Bach’s Sonata BWV 1034 in E minor. Jonathan's rendition was nothing short of sublime, showcasing his exceptional control and breathtaking phrasing... His ability to capture the essence of each movement while maintaining an authentic, historically-informed approach was thoroughly enjoyable."
“Messian's Le Merle Noir was a highlight of the recital. Jonathan's virtuosity shone through in this avian-inspired work, effortlessly soaring through the demanding passages."
“The recital's grand finale, Erwin Schulhoff's Sonata for flute and piano was a tour de force of emotion and technical prowess. Henderson and Chen's musical connection was strikingly apparent, as they navigated the complex rhythms and tonal colours with remarkable synergy."
The Australian Debussy Trio – Musica Viva Tasmania
“Arnold Bax’s Elegiac Trio … was ardently done and beautifully shaded."
“Australian composer Anne Boyd was present to introduce her Into the Living Light, a world premiere performance. This was serene music of great beauty, performed with dedication and restraint."
“Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp provided the culmination of a unique evening of fine music-making. The rendition offered was full of understanding and insight."
Music Review – Contra Schubert
★★★★☆
“Contra Schubert opened with Schubert’s Introduction and Variations on ‘Trockne Blumen’ for flute and piano in E minor d.802 op. posth.160... Written as a virtuosic piece for flute and played superbly by Jonathan Henderson as the voice of the tragic hero, this interpretation was strongly supported by first-rate piano accompaniment from Vatche Jambazian. Some fine arpeggios and trills from Henderson were underpinned by a bright and ferocious piano as the variations became ever more heated. The variations themselves ran through a whole gamut of emotions, assisted by a dynamic intensity weaving a strong musical narrative. The players were able to bounce back and forth off each other in ever-increasing vibrancy towards a fiery and speedy finale. Terrific performances by both musicians."
Backstreet Brisbane, October 2022
Review: Contra Schubert (Contra Concerts & Southern Cross Soloists)
“The concert began with variations by prolific Austrian composer Franz Schubert, performed by Henderson on flute and pianist Vatche Jambazian... It was a pleasure to be able to observe their artistry so closely in the chamber setting; to appreciate the sharp, skilful precision of their fingers on the instruments and the ways in which the piano and flute were in conversation with each other."
Contra Schubert – Close your eyes and be transported
“Always engaging, Jonathan Henderson displayed seemingly effortless virtuosity ably supported by Vatche Jambazian. An impressive and moving opening choice."
Limelight Magazine, April 2022
Mystic Dances (Melbourne Recital Centre)
★★★★ ½
“Let’s hope these players can extend their enterprise into further programs for this attractive combination. Overall, their performances were almost impeccable, engaging and even quite stylish. I hope that this trio will be invited to return to Melbourne on a regular basis."
Sydney Morning Herald, March 2022
Chilling, lavish, excessive: this is opera on the grandest scale
“The individual soloists in the Opera Australia Orchestra wove rich delicate threads into a lush musical fabric"
Limelight Magazine, September 2021
Dreams and Visions (Southern Cross Soloists)
★★★★★
“The haunting virtuosic flute solo of Queenslander Jonathan Henderson entwined with rivulets of melody played by multi-award-winning pianist Roger Cui to recreate a fantastical daydream in the forest" [Debussy’s Prélude à l’aprés-midi d’un faune]
“A sublime flute solo from Henderson." [Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite No 2]
The Creative Issue, September 2021
Southern Cross Soloists Dream Away in Dreams and Visions
“For flautist Jonathan Henderson, his portrait moment came in Debussy’s Prélude á l’aprés-midi d’un faune. This piece demanded the flautist to be delicate, detailed, and yet expressive."
Sonic Beethoven Soars to New Heights
“Jonathan Henderson and Alex Raineri dazzled, presenting the varied, dynamic scope of the flute-piano duo."
“To close the concert, they moved to a contemporary work by Brisbane composer Paul Dean, Falling Ever Deeper. This virtuosic piece allowed Jonathan to showcase a rich range of flute timbres. Jonathan’s flute soared. He mastered the challenging articulations and phrasing with drama, speed and accuracy. Throughout the piece, Jonathan and pianist Alex Raineri performed with balance and emotional sensitivity."
Contra Concerts – Sonic Beethoven
“Jonathan Henderson has established a niche, and a following. We look forward to more offerings with imaginative programming, well-chosen venues, and superb musicianship.”
"Flute and piano gave us an unforgettable and extended emotional scream in the opening movement, so powerful as to colour the entirety of the composition. A clearly thrilled composer congratulated the musicians amid the enthusiastic applause."
Digital Debussy (Contra Concerts in association with Southern Cross Soloists)
★★★★ ½
“Granger, Wannan and Henderson impressed with some spectacular playing, both skilled technically and emotionally poignant.”
"Henderson, the flautist and curator, makes a point in his program notes that the three pieces chosen have both a logical chronological narrative and present an undeniable continuity of musical language over an entire century. Initially sceptical of such a claim, the concert certainly proved that the two recent works followed a demonstrable linear fluidity from the original, offering a rich addition to and enhancing of the earlier work itself. This was clever and interesting programming that also showed off the range and complexity of the three instruments to great effect, and introduced some relevant expert electronics. Assisted by first-class musicianship, the concert was presented in an atmospheric, intimate space with excellent acoustics that added to the enjoyment."
Bach Out Loud
"But there are more treats to come as the accomplished Jonathan Henderson takes to the stage with his flute – joined by cello and keys – for the Flute Sonata in B minor, in a joyous performance."
Bach Out Loud – Contra Concerts
"Add to cello and harpsichord Jonathon Henderson on flute for the Sonata in B minor played in joyous and celebratory mode, and our spirits, already delighted, were further lifted."
Kangaroo Valley Voice, February 2021
Tafelmusik – Arts In The Valley
"Jonathan, a highly accomplished flutist, has. beautiful tone and fine technique."
O'Connel The Music, August 2020
The Night of the Arranger
“The flautist took on the vocal part with a generously phrased volubility and giving us a well-prepared climax”
The Creative Issue, August 2020
Southern Cross Soloists Shine at Brisbane Music Festival
“...for the two wind soloists, this piece was a conversation which displayed breath-taking virtuosity."
Loud Mouth – The Music Trust Ezine, March 2020
Spanish Souvenirs – Jonathan Henderson & Emily Granger
“Les Folies d’Espagne gave Henderson a solo opportunity to display the breadth of his capabilities...The paradox of playing complex notated music while also embracing a sense of spontaneity was balanced to great effect here, a level of virtuoso-control rarely heard.”
Spanish Souvenirs – Jonathan Henderson & Emily Granger
“It is hard to believe these two musicians only formed their partnership last year; their connection in performance is second to none... Marais’ “Les Folies d’Espagne” for solo flute reveals Henderson’s virtuosity and exposes the demanding physicality of the deceptively small instrument.”
Limelight Magazine, December 2019
The Trout (Brisbane Music Festival)
★★★★☆
“In the gracious setting of the Old Museum Building ... the performers and audience were gifted with a rewarding acoustic, an ideal soundstage for Jonathan Henderson’s fluid and assured performance of Bach’s Partita in A Minor for solo flute, BWV 1013 ... After greeting the audience, Henderson commanded silence as he retreated inside himself to prepare to play the challenging Allemande. His eloquence in exploring Bach’s syntax, swift fingering shifts, wide leaps with scarcely time to breathe, and, how he navigated the expansive tonal register which ends on a high A in the first movement was impressive. Animated phrasing and lively representation of the buoyant rhythmical stretches delighted the crowd and his tone gathered even more lustre and depth as he journeyed through the expressive, sighing Sarabande.”
Trout Number 9
“Jonathan Henderson’s masterful rendition of [Bach’s Partita in A Minor for solo flute, BWV 1013] quickly reveals what this seasoned performer is capable of. The delicate sounds, made only possible with the flautist’s own breath, presented the raw and living connection between the audience and the music. In Henderson’s hands, one note at a time, the music soared, filling the hall with the perfection of Bach’s harmonies.”
O'Connel The Music, December 2019
Let's Not Be Gentlemen All The Time
“With Henderson, Raineri brought Pierre Sancan’s Flute Sonatine to our attention and we owe both musicians many thanks for their efforts. This was a fine dialogue demonstration, not least for Henderson’s remarkable stamina, particularly in some long sentences during the first movement Moderato.”
Lyrical Reflections
“Ross Edwards’ Nura, a two-musician work for flute and piano ... allowed flautist Jonathan Henderson to capture the early morning sounds of the Blue Mountains with exquisite control"
Maps and Journeys: Navigating by the Sky
★★★★ ½
"The vengeful storm crashed back with fluttering flutes and ascending trilling scales from the talented guest artist Jonathan Henderson"
4MBS Classic FM Program Guide, February 2020
Return of the Prodigal Son—Jonathan Henderson, Flute Player
Interview for 4MBS Classic FM 'Music Talks'.
Newcastle Herald, September 2019
Gloucester festival brings classical music to a barn
The two-day event this Saturday and Sunday features musicians from the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Opera Australia Orchestra and others who play with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra plus world-class soloists, including American harpist Emily Granger (now living in Sydney) and Newcastle-born European-based flautist Jonathan Henderson, who has recently returned to Australia.
Cut Common Magazine, July 2017
Jonathan Henderson: “I wish to keep my curiosity for music alive”
Newcastle-born Jonathan Henderson serves as principal flute of the Estonian National Opera. He returns to Australia to present a world premiere of Lisa Cheney’s flute concerto with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.
Lisa Cheney's New Concerto: A First for Flautist and Composer
Jonathan Henderson will premiere the Australian composer’s new work with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.