CLASSICAL music will echo across the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island this winter with five intimate concerts set to showcase world-class musicians in community halls from June 27 to July 4.
The concert series, titled Tones and Tides, is being presented by Opera in the Country, a project-based ensemble led by Charlotte Goode that is known for bringing high-quality performances to regional communities throughout Victoria.
The Bay Islands tour marks the group’s first venture into Queensland and features two former Ormiston College students – clarinetist Kristina Newton, 23, formerly of Alexandra Hills, and double bass player Charlotte Scanlan, 24, formerly of Wellington Point – alongside pianist Francis Atkins.
Ms Scanlan said she was thrilled to bring the performances home.
“We go to country towns near where Charlotte (Goode) grew up and I am excited that we are now doing this at our home town,” she said.
“I am excited to be playing back home and that we have a reason to bring the music to the islands. This is a unique thing.”
The series celebrates the theme of connection, drawing inspiration from island communities and the waterways that link them.
“Tones & Tides draws inspiration from the idea of islands as places of crossing, where ferries unite communities and music becomes a vessel for shared stories,” Ms Newton said.
“Audiences can expect to experience a rich and varied program.”
The repertoire includes the famous Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen alongside works by renowned Australian composers Margaret Sutherland and Miriam Hyde.
“Each performance promises an afternoon of connection, storytelling, and musical excellence in intimate community settings,” Ms Newton said.
Ms Scanlan said the concerts would also shine a spotlight on Australian chamber music, with many works reflecting themes of water and place that complement the island settings.
The musicians bring extensive training and international experience to the tour.
In addition to the concerts, Ms Newton will host free 45-minute workshops for children beginning 90 minutes before each performance.
“I invite young audiences to explore music in a fun and interactive way,” she said.
The Tones and Tides concert series will visit Russell Island Recreation Hall at 3pm on June 27, Dunwich Community Hall at 2pm on June 28, Coochiemudlo Island Community Hall at 2pm on July 1, Macleay Island Community Hall at 5pm on July 3 and Point Lookout Community Hall on North Stradbroke Island at 2pm on July 4.
Tickets cost $25 and can be booked through TryBooking at trybooking.com/DLEPC or purchased at the door, subject to availability.
