Lovers of classical music might want to head to Craven Creek on September 26 and 27 for a musical journey involving guitar, clarinet, violas, violinists and a cello.
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Held in an old barn on a private property, the mini music festival has become an annual springtime event across the region since 2013.
“We want to encourage the involvement and support of the local community members and visitors alike to grow the concerts into a large festival,” property owner and organizing member of the Craven Creek Music Association Jenny Lindsay said.
Jenny and her husband Greg first hit upon the idea for the concerts when they bought their property ‘Kingfisher’ at Rookhurst and saw the barn had a stage. With the couple having a strong interest in classical music, two of their three children took it one step further by completing degrees in music.
“Heather, the cellist involved in this concert is a full-time professional and couldn’t imagine life without playing... Our son who plays the oboe decided it wasn’t a full-time occupation for him although he still plays occasionally. One in any family is enough” Jenny said.
With an extensive network of musicians at hand, organizers try to have a quartet every year and vary the program with other players.
“Last year we had sax player Nick Russoniello who was 2011 ABC Young performer of the year. They are all young and keen to get out and play in different environments,” Jenny said.
This year’s Craven Creek concerts will showcase the talents of guitarist Murilo Tanouye, clarinet player Amy Whyte and the Dangar Quartet which includes violinists Jem Muharrem & Alice Higgins, viola player Luke Spicer and cellist Heather Lindsay.
The centrepiece for the concert is Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet in A as well as pieces by Ravel, Vivaldi and some combinations for guitar and strings.
“There is always a wide range of music played but it is certainly more than the top 10 classical or jazz pieces. “
With such a unique environment to play in, audiences feel intimately involved in each performance.
“Last year we had people in tears at the end of concert.”
Wanting to give something back to the community they play to, this year the musicians hope to inspire primary and high school students with a free open rehearsal at Gloucester High School on Sunday September 27 from 11am to 12pm.
“At the moment the concerts are subsidised but we now have tax-deductible status so we are hoping to raise money to enlarge the concert program, encourage people to come to Gloucester and build the musical activities in the town.
Tickets are $25 from the Health Food Shop or online at www.cravencreekmusic.com. Enquiries call 0412 498 855.