This momentous recording marks Nat Bartsch’s first release as an orchestral composer, after creating eight albums and multiple commissions in chamber music, jazz and neoclassical genres. Accompanying the single is the bonus solo piano track Over the River.

Hope (for orchestra) is a work of cinematic beauty that adapts Nat’s inimitably neo-romantic style to the world of orchestral colour. Uniquely, this single is Nat’s third version of Hope, and signifies a completion of a genre-bending circle that has become synonymous with Nat’s work. It is the second new release on Nat’s own record label Amica Records.

Hope (for orchestra) first began as the closing title track of Nat’s 2021 ARIA-nominated classical album, for piano, string quartet and ambient electronics – a response to the challenges of 2020. Later, the piece was re-interpreted on her 2023 release Hope Renewed for jazz quartet, chamber musicians and ambient effects, re-presenting a post-pandemic era. Over the River has undergone a similar transformation, returning to Nat at the piano after being released as a string quartet and post-rock anthem on Hope/Hope Renewed respectively.

Says Nat, of this new release:

“Why, you may ask, would I want to release a third version of these pieces? Because there is still a need to find hope wherever we can. The pandemic may be over, but we are still living in extraordinary times. The devastating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, cost of living pressures, the ongoing impacts of climate change and more.

Many listeners have told me that Hope has helped them through difficult life experiences. I’ve realised that this is soothing music that has relevance to any challenges we may face, individually or collectively. And so it feels right to share just one more time”.

This orchestral arrangement of Hope was first commissioned and premiered by Stonnington Symphony Orchestra in 2022, conducted by Joseph Lallo.

1. Hope (for orchestra) - performed by Budapest Art Orchestra

2. Over The River (for solo piano) - performed by Nat Bartsch

Composed, arranged and produced by Nat Bartsch
Mixed by Hadyn Buxton
Mastered by Lachlan Carrick
Cover art by Luci Everett
Cover photo by John Hodgson (Storm Surge, Tacking Point) used with permission

Hope (for orchestra):
Performed by Budapest Art Orchestra
Conducted by Peter Pejtsik Recorded at East Connection Music Recording, Studio 22, Hungary, 02/12/22
Engineered by David Lukacs and Gabor Buczko
Contractor/session producer: Miklos Lukacs
Arrangement commissioned/premiered by Stonnington Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Joseph Lallo, 13/11/22

Over The River (for solo piano):
Recorded at Lukktone, Melbourne, 10/01/23
Engineered by Hadyn Buxton

Compositions first released on Hope (ABC Classic) and Hope Renewed (Amica)

Dedicated to Hadyn Buxton

digitally via IDOL
available on CD and 7” vinyl at www.natbartsch.com and bandcamp