THE magic of bringing together a new ensemble of world-class musicians each year continues to set the Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival apart, with six concerts returning to Point Lookout from July 17-19.
Now in its 19th year, the festival will once again transform the Point Lookout Community Hall into an intimate concert venue, showcasing acclaimed Australian and international performers who rehearse together for just one week before taking to the stage.
Festival president Joce Wolfe said the unique format created a special energy that audiences could feel.
“Musicians who work together in orchestras and ensembles get to know each other’s styles,” she said.
“What makes this such a thrilling experience is that the musicians have a fresh start every year and this sense of anticipation translates to the performers and to the audience.”
This year’s line-up features violinists Afonso Fesch, Rachel Smith and Anna McMichael, violists Sally Boud and Caroline Henbest, cellists Eric de Wit and Jonathan Tooby, double bassist Margarida Castro, flautist Tim Munro, mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean and pianists Sonya Lifschitz and Stephen Emmerson.
The festival opens on Thursday, July 17, with Proust’s Salon at 7.30pm.
Friday’s program includes Coffee with Fanny and George at 8am, Trailblazers at 2.30pm and Lotte and Friends at 7.30pm, while the festival concludes on Saturday with Nordic Tales at 10am and Il Tramonto at 2.30pm.
Ms Wolfe said the Friday evening performance had been designed to appeal to a broader audience.
“The 7.30pm concert on July 18 features music that might attract island residents who preferred a lighter style of music,” she said.
Each concert is built around a musical theme, with the festival continuing its tradition of highlighting composers who have historically received less recognition, particularly women.
This year’s featured composers include Fanny Hensel (Mendelssohn) and Polish composer Grazyna Bacewicz.
The festival was founded by violinist Rachel Smith, now based in Scotland, and the late island resident and music enthusiast Jani Haenke.
Next year it will celebrate its 20th anniversary.
“In this time, it has brought together so many musicians both here and overseas, and encouraged great relationships,” Ms Wolfe said.
“The festival attracts people who love classical music, but increasingly it is bringing people outside this realm.
“It’s whale watching season and there is a benefit to booking through various accommodation places and the ferry also offers a discount.”
Bookings are available through 4MBS or by calling 3847 1717 weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
