UNLIKELY COMBINATION OF INSTRUMENTS DELIGHTS GUNNING AUDIENCE  Because the Gazette’s regular concert reviewer, Mandy McDonald, could not attend the performance by Unique Baroque in the Gunning Courtroom on Sunday, 11 June, this report is provided by me, one of the concert organisers from Gunning Focus Group (GFG). I have tried to provide the same objectivity […]

"Even Better than Johnny Cash at Singing Johnny Cash" “Even better than Johnny Cash at singing Johnny Cash,” one patron said of Jerikye Williams, a young Wiradjuri musician who made his debut performance in Gunning at a special NAIDOC week concert in the Courtroom yesterday afternoon. While his appearance suggests Elvis Presley, he is so […]

From the Chocolate Box Leading cellist and music educator David Pereira and international pianist David Rumsey are excited to bring an excellent brand-new program, From the Chocolate Box, to Gunning.   Much loved pieces for cello and piano; contemporary, popular, appealing and accessible - with a bit of celebrated classical for good measure.   Music poetic, […]

MAD KELPIE PLAYDATE DELIGHTED a large and enthusiastic audience in their special Gunning Arts Festival gig in the Gunning Courtroom last Sunday afternoon.  These accomplished musicians showed just why they are so loved by audiences. And for the first time ever, they included a grand piano in their lineup by taking the opportunity to play […]

Gunning Focus Group presented a wonderful afternoon of baroque music at the Gunning Shire Hall on Sunday, 5th November.  GFG favourites, Musica da Camera String Orchestra did not disappoint, playing works by lesser known Baroque masters including Biber, Fischer, Boyce and others. The audience didn't want the afternoon to end.  For lovers of Baroque music, […]

As promised, last Sunday’s Gunning Courtroom performance by Australian modern classical music trio Ensemble Offspring was enthralling, fascinating, splendid, evocative and immersive.  Concert reviewer Mandy McDonald will give a fuller, more considered and objective view in the Upper Lachlan Gazette shortly. Pictured here is flautist Lamorna Nightingale wearing her brand-new magpie earrings purchased just before […]

VIOLINS, VIOLA, AND CELLO HUM AND THRUM, SOAR AND DIVE IN GUNNING Above:  GFG President Margaret Dougall thanks the Acacia Quartet at the end of their performance. Gunning Focus Group (GFG) hosted prominent string ensemble, the Acacia Quartet, in the Courtroom on Sunday afternoon, 14 April.  And what a performance the four Acacias gave for […]

"Devastatingly capable players." We are delighted to host Apeiron Baroque for their first performance in the Courtroom  - a really great venue for these musicians. Apeiron was launched in 2022 by Early Music specialists John Ma and Marie Searles.  After honing their skills in the concert halls and ensembles of Europe over nearly two decades, the pair returned […]

Aeolus Wind Trio This review by Mandy McDonald was published in the Upper Lachlan Gazette Issue 163 on Wednesday 23 October The Aeolus Wind Trio has been delighting audiences in the Canberra region and beyond for over 40 years On Sunday, thanks to the Gunning Focus Group, the group played at the Gunning Courtroom to […]

EDWARD NEEMAN: “HEROIC” RECITAL What a way to finish our Courtroom Chamber Music Series! Australian-American pianist Edward Neeman has performed to acclaim across five continents, won prizes in international piano competitions, and appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras of note worldwide. You can scarcely turn on ABC Classic FM without hearing him at some […]