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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20260823T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20260823T173000
DTSTAMP:20260603T062856Z
CREATED:20251218T052236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T062856Z
UID:1695-1787500800-1787506200@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Ensemble Offspring: To Listen To Sing
DESCRIPTION:These much-admired rockstars of contemporary classical music are known for the visceral\, joyous pieces they bring to the world.  What a delight and privilege to have such a stellar outfit playing in Gunning. \nTo Listen To Sing features a quartet of flute\, clarinet\, cello and percussion that shines the spotlight on a whole raft of brand-new music by fresh First Nations voices.   It is a true celebration of the enmeshing of Western art music and the oldest surviving culture on earth. \nTickets ($48\, GFG members $30\, music students $15) are available now at https://events.humanitix.com/ensemble-offspring-to-listen-to-sing-g4zfuz9l \nNeed Help?  Got Questions?  Please email us at gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com or phone us on 0429 906 834 or 4845 8217. \nWill You Be a First-time Visitor to Gunning? \n \nPictured at left is Ensemble Offspring’s Claire Edwardes OAM before an earlier performance in the Courtroom.  Claire is sporting a new pair of magpie ear rings (so appropriate for their birdsong-themed show) she had just purchased from a craft shop across the road \nThe historic village of Gunning has a range of art\, craft and antique outlets where you can enjoy pre-concert browsing as well as cafes for afternoon coffee. \nIf you are staying for dinner before heading home after the show\, the Telegraph Hotel Bistro offers good pub food.  This writer particularly enjoys its crispy chicken salad – a very appealing combination of healthy and salty decadence.  You can read more about it at https://gunningpub.com/
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/ensemble-offspring/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260719
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260720
DTSTAMP:20260723T055209Z
CREATED:20260517T033038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T055209Z
UID:1790-1784419200-1784505599@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Duo Mimesi:  Music in Motion
DESCRIPTION:Italian Piano Duo Launches Its Australasian Tour in Gunning \nYoung Italian pianists Gioia Barbera and Federico Bucaioni\, playing as Duo Mimesi\, opened their first Australasian tour with a powerful and impressive performance of pieces for four hands by Schubert\, Poulenc and Rachmaninov at the recent Gunning Focus Group (GFG) concert in the Courtroom. \nGioia and Federico were delightful and engaging performers.  Just in the very early stages of their careers\, they showed they are serious heavy-duty classical musicians who deserve to achieve great professional success.   Their performance was applauded loudly and at length. \nGFG is especially grateful to Susan and Grant Ferry of Aaida on Warrataw for accommodating our visitors in their character-filled holiday rental.  The couple’s stay included a special morning safari down the Collector Road for Federico\, during which he was blown away to see seven kangaroos and a ewe giving birth to a new lamb. \nGunning loved them.  And the feeling was reciprocated.  The duo wrote to GFG the following day to say: \n“We were welcomed with incredible warmth and immediately felt at home.  During our stay in Gunning\, we had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people\, including Bob\, Rosemary\, and Jacqueline\, as well as Susan and Grant\, an extraordinary couple who so generously welcomed us into their home. We feel incredibly fortunate to have met them and to have discovered this hidden gem of an Australian town. \nGunning captivated us with its delicious food\, its unmatched hospitality\, and the kindness of its people.  We were also deeply impressed by the magnificent acoustics of the Courtroom: the sound flowed so naturally through the space\, and the piano was in superb condition and impeccably cared for\, allowing us to perform at our very best. \nWe sincerely hope we will have the opportunity to return one day.  As we leave\, we take with us unforgettable memories\, and we leave a piece of our hearts in this beautiful corner of Australia.” \nDuo Mimesi’s visit was a very happy and memorable one for all of us involved in making it happen.  We very much hope to see them back\, recognised as international artists of note. \n  \n 
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/duo-mimesi-music-in-motion/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260530T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T153000
DTSTAMP:20260601T011951Z
CREATED:20251217T231700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T011951Z
UID:1685-1780149600-1780155000@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:An Afternoon With Alice and Arnan: Harp & Piano
DESCRIPTION:ALICE AND ARNAN ENTHRALL AT COURTROOM CONCERT \nGunning Focus Group was pleased to host world-renowned harpist Alice Giles AM and excellent pianist Arnan Wiesel for an afternoon of music on Saturday 30 May.  The nearly 50 people attending this special Wendy Coley tribute concert clearly enjoyed the mix of harp solos and duets with piano that the two performers brought us. \nAlice opened the two-part concert playing what she said were some of the most powerful and expressive pieces written by influential harp virtuoso and composer Carlos Salzedo.  He was instrumental in introducing fresh ideas to the harp and new aesthetic gestures for playing it. \nPraised as “the most intelligent\, sensitive\, technically accomplished harpist I have ever met” by composer Luciano Berio\, Alice was just the person to bring power and emotion to her performance.  She showed how\, in the hands of a skilled and thoughtful player\, the harp can paint a landscape or evoke feeling and emotion.  While there were few\, if any\, tunes you could whistle later\, our attention was rivetted on the sounds of rippling brooks\, gentle rain\, whirlwinds and various emotional states. \nArnan joined Alice for the second half of the concert.  We enjoyed delightful duets by CPE Bach followed by Turina’s “Theme and Variations for Harp and Piano” and then a Salzedo Sonata for Harp and Piano.  Their encore piece\, Granada by Isaac Albeniz\, was very whistleable indeed. \nThe intimate atmosphere and acoustics of the Courtroom so suited the music we heard. One patron told us how wonderful it was to see and hear the players from our upgraded seating in the jury boxes\, which provide a great view and seem to accentuate the hum\, thrum\, and resonance of the instruments. \nNext up in the Courtroom is Duo Mimesi\, an exciting young Italian piano duo who will be opening their Australian and NZ tour here in Gunning on Sunday 19 July.  You can find all the details at http://gunningfocusgroup.com or sign up for our free mail newsletter by contacting us at gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com \n 
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/back-in-the-courtroom-at-last-alice-giles-am-and-arnan-wiesel/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20260411T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20260411T163000
DTSTAMP:20260413T031620Z
CREATED:20251219T003026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T031620Z
UID:1707-1775916000-1775925000@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Barada Flute Quartet
DESCRIPTION:  \n  \nAbove: GFG’s Margaret Dougall and the  audience applaud the Baradas excellent rendition of Mozart’s Flute Quartet K285\, the standout piece for the day. \nI LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT” \nBARADA  FLUTE QUARTET IN THE GUNNING COURTROOM \n  \n“I loved every minute of it”\, “This was delightful”\, “Another excellent show” and “Absolutely fabulous\,” were among the parting comments volunteered by concert goers after the Barada Flute Quartet played in the Gunning Courtroom on Saturday afternoon 11 April. \nThe Baradas comprise John Smiles (flute)\, Valerie Jackson (violin)\, Paul Whitbread (viola and informative commentary) and Jane Smith (cello).  This was the quartet’s premiere public performance.   And a very satisfying one it was too. \nIn the absence of CDs and streaming services\, composers of the classical and romantic eras earned much of their income from providing sheet music to be played by skilled amateur musicians in intimate chamber music settings.  That’s exactly what we enjoyed at this concert. \nThe three pieces they gave us were played just as the composers\, Mozart\, Haydn and Ries\, are thought to have intended\, including just a few seemingly bum notes that are in the published manuscripts.  Whether these are due to transcription errors or were intended as early introductions of modern dissonance is not known.  They did not detract from our pleasure. \nGFG passes all net returns to performers\, less $3 per ticket sold for essential asset maintenance and administration costs.  The Baradas are donating their box office payment to Dainere’s Rainbow – an ACT-based charity dedicated to raising funds for Australian research into childhood brain cancer and providing support to affected families. \nThe audience had a great afternoon.  So too\, did the players.   Violinist Valerie Jackson reported back after the show that the Courtroom “was a lovely venue to perform in with wonderful acoustics and of a size to have a connection with the audience.”  Flautist John Smiles told us “The Baradas really enjoyed the experience playing on the weekend and delighted that it was well received.  The courtroom was a great place to play for our instruments and style”. \n 
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/barada-flute-quartet/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
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ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260301T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260301T163000
DTSTAMP:20260305T045533Z
CREATED:20251217T003222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T045533Z
UID:1668-1772373600-1772382600@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:A Joyous Afternoon:  Andante Andante aka the ABBA Choir
DESCRIPTION:A Joyous Afternoon\n“Sheer Joy”\, “Uplifting” and “Fabulous” said concertgoers departing the Andante Andante Choir’s performance in front of a packed Gunning Courtroom on Sunday afternoon. \nThis ensemble is commonly known as The ABBA Choir.  It comprised some two dozen singers and musicians inspiringly led by the athletic and energetic violinist\, kazoo player and comic actor Katie Cole.  Unquestionably\, the almost 50 strong audience that came from near and far just loved the entire show.  We sang along [whether we were ABBA fans or not]\, laughed and smiled\, and clapped and clapped the entire afternoon. \nThe choir was joined by drums\, recorders and flute together\, at times\, with massed kazoos.  Their long-term accompanist\, Crookwell’s Katrina  Rivera\, made excellent use of Gunning’s grand piano and her guitar [not simultaneously].  It might be a step too far to say Andante does ABBA better than ABBA.  But the group’s obvious love of the oeuvre combined with their professionalism made for an outstandingly joyous afternoon. \nSeveral members of the choir told us they love playing in Gunning.  And we love them playing here as well.  This was Andante Andante’s third performance here for the Gunning Focus Group and we very much hope it will not be their last.  You don’t have to be an ABBA tragic to delight in this choir’s unique and entertaining take on the music.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/andante-andante-aka-the-abba-choir/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_0860-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251115
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251116
DTSTAMP:20251117T221702Z
CREATED:20251012T224240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T221702Z
UID:1638-1763164800-1763251199@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:The False Prophet\, the Wicked Servant and Divine Comfort
DESCRIPTION:Early Baroque Fusion Music Enthralls Gunning Audience\nLate on Saturday afternoon\, 15 November\, an audience comprising locals and visitors from Canberra and the wider region was filled with wonder and delight by a joyful and captivating performance of early Baroque music in the Gunning Courtroom.  Led by Robyn Mellor\, the BlockSounds recorder ensemble was augmented to great effect by Rachel Walker (viola da gamba)\, Ariana Odermat (harpsichord)\, Frank den Hartog (tenor)\, Maartje Sevester (mezzo soprano) and Greta Claringbould (soprano).  The nine musicians and singers are pictured below as they rehearsed before the concert doors opened. \n \nThe ensemble’s show\, titled “The False Prophet\, the Wicked Servant and Divine Comfort\,” featured sacred and secular music from 17th-century Germanic Europe.  Robyn’s extensive program notes explained how the influence of the showier and more flamboyant early Italian opera led to a flowering of new musical approaches and practices.  These were to be built upon in the next generation by JS Bach and others\, to the great benefit of us all. \nSome in the audience were already very knowledgeable fine music followers\, well-equipped to identify and appreciate how the performers created the sounds and effects they did.  Others\, much less in the know\, like me\, could only close their eyes and soar along in their minds with the music created by the singers and players. \nPeople’s body language and comments offered as they departed clearly showed they had enjoyed the performance immensely.  This included one person\, who had not seen or heard a harpsichord before\, who described the experience as wonderful\, marvelling at how well the performers combined so superbly to play as one\, – “a really tight unit” if they were a pop band. \nIt was not only the music that came in for praise.  The performers really enjoyed playing in our excellent chamber music venue.  The acoustics and atmosphere are well suited for this type of music.  Also\, BlockSounds later Facebook post told the world that their Gunning audience was “really lovely”. \nYet more praise came from one of our regular patrons who uses a walker for ease of mobility.  For the first time\, this person can now enter through the front door using the new entry ramp\, which is almost fully completed courtesy of a NSW State Government grant provided to our Council.  She described the ramp as “wonderful.” What’s more\, for the first time ever\, we were also able to get a harpsichord in through the front door.  No more need we rely on the very helpful Gunning Community Care to use their premises as a side entrance. \nThis was Gunning Focus Group’s last concert for the year.  But we have an excellent program to offer for 2026.  Details will be on the GFG website https://gunningfocusgroup.com soon.   However\, we recommend emailing us at mailto:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com so we can keep you informed about upcoming music events via our newsletter. \nThis report appeared in the Upper Lachlan Gazette on 20 November 2025
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/the-false-prophet-the-wicked-servant-and-divine-comfort/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250907T143000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250907T163000
DTSTAMP:20250908T021610Z
CREATED:20250104T050753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T021610Z
UID:1436-1757255400-1757262600@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Baroque Treasures:  John Ma and Musica da Camera
DESCRIPTION:Concert Report Posted on Facebook 8 September 2025\nLast Sunday’s Baroque Treasures concert featuring the Musica da Camera string orchestra led by early music specialist John Ma in the Gunning Shire Hall was an aural and visual delight – much enjoyed by all of us there. \nThe band clearly enjoyed performing for us.  The good-sized audience loved the music they played as well as learning from\, and laughing at\, the introductory explanations Music Director John gave before each piece.  Who would have thought Johann Fischer’s Luneburger Sultze suite written in the form of a baroque dance suite was an early form of advertising jingle? \nThe new look hall also drew unsolicited praise from visitors.  It has a very pleasing look and feel to it\, the new comfortable seating has been appreciated by many and the new entry ramp makes getting into the venue with a wheelchair or walker a doddle.  In addition\, we used\, the shire’s new portable lighting gear to add to the overall visual effect.  We are sure Boccherini\, who did not have the luxury of using uplights in the 1700s\, would have approved. \nGFG thanks lighting technician Jen Wright for technical and aesthetic advice as well as going out of her way to assist us.  We also appreciated the cheerful and ready assistance given us by local Council staff. \nThe local press had a front row seat so you can expect a review of the show by Mandy McDonald in the Upper Lachlan Gazette.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/musica-da-camera-baroque-treasures-gunning/
LOCATION:Gunning Shire Hall\, 13 Copeland Street\, Gunning\, NSW\, 2581\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20250907_143937-FB-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group event contacts":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250817
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250818
DTSTAMP:20250812T002450Z
CREATED:20250105T032944Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T002450Z
UID:1448-1755388800-1755475199@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:The Acacia Quartet:  Event Cancelled
DESCRIPTION:To the regret of both GFG and the Acacias this event had to be cancelled due to the illness of one of the performers.  We had no other option. \nWe would both like to reschedule the concert.  We will tell the world immediately if and when this happens.  Details of what we missed but hope will still happen are below. \n~ ~ ~ \nThe Acacia Quartet is one of the nation’s most prominent and applauded string ensembles—the Australian classical music equivalent of Oasis or Taylor Swift. \nYou can enjoy listening to the Acacias playing on the radio or your CD.  But sitting up close to them playing live in a great chamber music venue like our Courtroom is a different and indescribably rewarding experience.  It transports you to another place. \nPictured above\, the quartet acknowledges the sustained applause that followed the final encore at their April 2024 performance in the Courtroom. This was a superb concert. Their instruments hummed\, thrummed\, soared\, and dived as the four musicians played with feeling\, joy\, precision\, and mutual understanding. The audience was delighted and entranced. \nYou can expect the same heights of enjoyment and satisfaction when the Acacias make their welcome return to Gunning at 3 pm on Sunday\, 17 August.  Their bottler of a program will feature: \n🎻    Joseph Haydn – SQ Op. 77/1 \n🎻     Moya Henderson – ‘Kudikynah Cave’ \n🎻     Antonin Dvorak – SQ 12\, Op. 96 ‘American’ \nTickets Available Now at https://events.humanitix.com/the-acacia-quartet \nEnquiries are welcome on 0429 906 834 or mailto:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com \nThe 3 pm start gives you heaps of time for pre-concert dining and browsing Gunning’s art\, craft\, and antique outlets. You can read more about the historic village of Gunning and its attractions at https://gunningfocusgroup.com/eat-see-and-do-in-gunning/. \nIf you can’t get to our Gunning concert\, you could still catch the Acacia Quartet at the Hume Conservatorium in Goulburn the day before at 3 pm on Saturday\, 16 August.  You can find more details at https://humecon.nsw.edu.au/. So excellent will these concerts be\, Acacia devotees might want to immerse themselves in both. Just tell us\, as you enter the Courtroom\, you are backing up from the Goulburn event to secure a half-price ticket.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/the-acacia-quartet/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/concert-pic-1-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250612
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250613
DTSTAMP:20250617T050736Z
CREATED:20250201T031733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T050736Z
UID:1452-1749686400-1749772799@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Loosely Woven: Trouble and Strife
DESCRIPTION:Here is GFG’s Report to the World About Loosely Woven’s Joyful Performance in Gunning posted on Facebook after the Event. \nWhat a miscellany of fun and enjoyment the nineteen singers and musicians of the Sydney-based Loosely Woven ensemble delivered to a delighted audience in the Gunning Shire Hall on Thursday afternoon.  A mixture of folk\, pop\, rock and roll\, protest songs\, music hall and opera followed one after the other – all performed with enthusiasm and joy.  Highlights included: \n🎸       The best rendition of Scarborough Fair I have heard in my life– faithful to the original but sung with an operatic influence; \n🎸     Bizet’s Pearl Fishers Duet by an alto and soprano (rather than the usual male voices) which got a sustained standing ovation; \n🎸  A violinist doing vocals while playing at the same time – something I have never seen before; \n🎸  We welcomed residents and staff from Newhaven Lodge to their first concert in Gunning; \n🎸  And in another first\, GFG’s Tim Duck-trained lighting technicians used the new Council-owned stage lighting gear to add extra atmosphere to Loosely Woven’s really excellent show. \nLoosely Woven enjoyed playing in our hall and appreciated the audience’s enthusiasm.  Both they and GFG are keen for them to return in the future. \n \n                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/loosely-woven-lunchtime-concert/
LOCATION:Gunning Shire Hall\, 13 Copeland Street\, Gunning\, NSW\, 2581\, Australia
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ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250427
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250428
DTSTAMP:20250503T005934Z
CREATED:20250102T003117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250503T005934Z
UID:1417-1745712000-1745798399@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Remembrance
DESCRIPTION:What an enjoyable event this was!  GFG’s Facebook post published the following day told readers: \n🎻  All morning long I have been whistling tunes lodged in my head by violist Robert Harris and pianist Aaron Chew at yesterday’s excellent\, entertaining and enlightening concert in the Gunning Courtroom.  It featured pieces created by composers who survived World War 1 while serving their countries. \nAlthough the composers lived through a very dark time\, the pieces yesterday’s audience enjoyed ranged between entrancingly beautiful\, stately\, rollicking and folky – all of them played with feeling by two top-rate musicians.  We also learned a lot about the composers’ lives and times.  It was a terrific concert. \nThank you to Gunning District Landcare for loaning us the projector and screen that helpd make this concert\, our first-ever multimedia event\, the success it was. \nMandy McDonald’s Report in the Upper Lachlan Gazette 30 April 2025  \nOn Sunday\, 27 April\, Gunning Focus Group presented this special concert\, “Remembrance: Composers of the Great War” in honour of Anzac Day.  Devised and performed by violist Robert Harris and Pianist Aaron Chew this concert included a fascinating multimedia presentation about the composers who survived the Great War and those who could realise their full potential taken from them. \nViolist Robert Harris\, who recently became a Gunning “local” after performing in senior and prominent roles around the world\, was joined by Canberra pianist Aaron Chew\, who recently received his doctorate from the ANU School of Music. \nTogether\, they presented a program of popular\, familiar classics by great composers who served in an survived the Great War.  These included audience favourites\, “Greensleeves” and more by Ralph Vaughan Williams\, Love’s Sorrow” and “Toy Soldiers’ March” by Fritz Kreisler\, “Pavane” and “Menuet” by Marice Ravel and “Music of Mourning” by Paul Hindemith\, “Londonderry Air” and “Country Gardens” by Percy Grainger and “Spirituals” and “Jamaican Rumba” by Arthur Benjamin. \nThis was a poignant yet thoroughly uplifting and entertaining concert\, much appreciated by those in attendance who found the combination of the concert with a PowerPoint presentation a huge success. \n  \n 
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/remembrance/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_0727-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250223
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250224
DTSTAMP:20250306T044434Z
CREATED:20250102T002115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T044434Z
UID:1390-1740268800-1740355199@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:From Argentina with Love
DESCRIPTION:From Argentina With Love\nTWO CONCERT REPORTS \n \nThe following review by Mandy McDonald appeared in the Upper Lachlan Gazette on Wednesday\, 26th February\, 2025 \nGUNNING FOCUS GROUP \nGunning Focus Group presented their first concert for the year last Sunday at the Gunning Courtroom.  The audience was delighted to hear the beautiful voice of mezzo-soprano Maria Eugenia Nieva and classical guitarist Andrew Blanch present “From Argentina With Love”. \nAndrew studied at ANU\, Canberra and is now considered one of Australia’s top guitarists and a founding member of the Australian Guitar Quartet. \nMaria Eugenia came to Australia from Argentina in 2022. She began her musical studies at the age of six at the Ninos Cantores de Mendoza music school. She joined the choir at the age of nine and developed a thriving professional career\, performing as a soloist and chorus member throughout Chile\, Brazil\, Mexico\, Ecuador\, and Argentina. \nAndrew and Maria Eugenia have recently toured the US to great acclaim and success. \nThis concert offered a unique selection of folkloric songs from Argentina\, with many styles and rhythms reflecting the diverse cultural influences: tonada\, cueca\, zamba and tango.  It was a fantastic show that enthralled the audience from beginning to end. \nThe following review by Jane-anne Southwell was posted on Facebook on 25th February 2025. \n \nWhen you look back over the evolution of musical instruments\, you can’t help but notice how timber and wood have been used as major components in some of our most cherished instruments. Even some of our noted wind and horn units had their genesis in a simple piece of suitable or modified timber. \nWood has always seemed to be able to cradle sound in a unique way that brings joy to a listening ear\, and yesterday at Gunning\, you couldn’t help but notice the effectiveness of this combination once again. The stunning wooden panelling of the old courthouse\, wrapped around the sound of a human voice\, and seemed to escort song and string accompaniement up into the high ceiling above an enraptured audience. \n‘From Argentina with Love’ was the first concert presented by the Gunning Focus Group for 2025\, and what a treat. The incredible mezzo voice of Maria Eugenia Nieva was reverently accompanied by Andrew Blanch on classical guitar and the partnership held the audience entranced as we were led through love songs and musical stories from Maria’s western Argentina. She sang with great variety and tempered emotion so that all of us easily understood the meaning of each work. But it was the piece by Piazzolla that brought some to tears and others to shout ‘Brava’ as the last note faded. \nAndrew’s solo tango and zamba renditions gave Maria’s incredible voice some breathing space and rounded out a fabulous afternoon. \nAnd as only a country town like Gunning can do – the day-long power outage proved surmountable with the next-door\, Gunning Health Service generator\, cooling the venue before visitors arrived!! \n 
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/from-argentina-with-love/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
ORGANIZER;CN="Gunning Focus Group":MAILTO:gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20241124T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20241124T170000
DTSTAMP:20250102T001551Z
CREATED:20231121T041702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T001551Z
UID:500-1732456800-1732467600@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Edward Neeman
DESCRIPTION:EDWARD NEEMAN: “HEROIC” RECITAL\nWhat 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 stage\, either playing solo or joining other artists. \nHe has appeared in many concert houses around the world\, including the Gunning Courtroom and Gunning Shire Hall. Edward\, with his wife and duo partner in the \nNeeman Piano Duo\, Stephanie\, is a good and popular friend to Gunning. Both have played here to the delight of locals—but never on our new Kawai GX2 grand piano. We look forward with keen anticipation to Edward’s debut performance on Gunning’s new concert piano.  His “Heroic”-themed recital will feature: \n\nBeethoven’s “Eroica” Variations\nChopin’s “Heroic” Polonaise\nLiszt’s transcription of Tannhauser by Richard Wagner\nA special guest appearance by Stephanie\n\nYou can bet on it being an afternoon to remember. \nWhen:  Sunday\, 24 November 2024\, at 2 pm.\nWhere: The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music.\nTickets: $35\, GFG members $25\, U18 free. \nBookings:   https://events.humanitix.com/edward-neeman-heroic-recital or contact 0429 906 834 or gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com.  Walk-up cash or card payments are welcome while seats available. \nFree Good Samaritan tickets are available for drivers bringing a carload of others\, at least one of whom cannot drive themselves. Good Samaritans must phone 0429 906 834\, as these tickets are not available online. \nThere are good pre-concert dining options in the historic village of Gunning plus plenty of things to see and do.  You can read all about Gunning’s attractions and amenities here
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/edward-neeman/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/280448115_673326682381_437151828872450701_n-1024x683-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20241020T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20241020T170000
DTSTAMP:20241026T060328Z
CREATED:20231121T045006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241026T060328Z
UID:504-1729432800-1729443600@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Aeolus Wind Trio
DESCRIPTION:Aeolus Wind Trio\nThis review by Mandy McDonald was published in the Upper Lachlan Gazette Issue 163 on Wednesday 23 October \n \nThe Aeolus Wind Trio has been delighting audiences in the Canberra region and beyond for over 40 years \nOn Sunday\, thanks to the Gunning Focus Group\, the group played at the Gunning Courtroom to a most appreciative audience. \nThe Aeolus Wind Trio members are Jodie Petrov (flute)\, Lis Hoorweg (clarinet) and David Whitbread (Bassoon). \nTo coincide with the weekend celebrations recognising the Hume and Hovell Expedition (1824)\, the trio was given the remit of including music from the Victorian and Georgian eras and they did not disappoint. \nThese delightful pieces drawn from folk songs\, opera and ballet remain popular today and were just right for the bicentennial of the Hume and Hovell expedition being celebrated locally. \nIncluding classic works by Telemenn and Verdi\, the audience thoroughly enjoyed foot-tapping arrangements of folk classics such as “Londonderry Air:\, “Waltzing Matilda”\, “Click Go the Shears” and so many more.  Indeed\, the audience was left wanting more and\, on request\, got more. \nThis was another wonderful afternoon of great music organised by Gunning Focus Group. \n \nAbove:  GFG’s Mandy McDonald thanks the trio for their delightful performance.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/aeolus-wind-trio-4/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AeolusGunningMay2022.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240925T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240925T160000
DTSTAMP:20240925T073941Z
CREATED:20240925T073941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240925T073941Z
UID:1345-1727272800-1727280000@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Musica da Camera:  Her Music Speaks
DESCRIPTION:One Concert\, Two Reviews\n \nFacebook Post by Jane- anne Southwell\nWell done Gunning!! \nJust shows what can be achieved with support from your local Council\, some carefully targeted Grant money and a committed team of community-minded people. \nThe ‘tin shed’ at the Gunning Showground has discarded its ugly duckling image and presented itself in its new plumage for the Musica da Camera concert this afternoon. The acoustics were so much better\, the soft greys and muted whites of the special curtains and paintwork were easy on the eyes and the new seats ….. well they were next level in comfort and practicality. \nBut the concert itself was innovative and very special\, as all pieces presented by this accomplished string orchestra\, were composed by Australian women. We were treated to Sally Greenaway\, Corrina Bonshek\, a fascinating Helen Gifford rendition and then the well known work my Margaret Sutherland. The Lament for Kosovo by Betty Beath took your breath away and director Shilong Ye held us spellbound with Maria Grenfell’s Knitting Unicorns before we all tried to keep up with Elena Kats-Chernin’s Fast Blue Village. \nGreat music\, great afternoon – well done Gunning Focus Group \nConcert Review by Mandy McDonald in the Upper Lachlan Gazette 18 Sept 2024 \nThanks must go to Gunning Focus Group yet again presenting a fabulous afternoon concert on Sunday\, 15 September at the newly refurbished Gunning Shire Hall.  Musica da Camera are a well-known and admired Canberra-based orchestra.  They are no strangers to Gunning Focus Group and indeed\, this was their sixteenth concert in Gunning. \nGreat things were expected of this orchestra and they did not disappoint. \nUnder the baton of their new musical director\, Shilong Ye\, the audience was presented with a program of seven Australian\, female contemporary composers. \nThis was a thought-provoking\, sometimes uncomfortable musical experience and all the better for it.  The music must reflect something of the composer and this could be heard in the inspiring works of these composers who\, at the time\, experienced discrimination and restrictions of opportunity\, all being female. \nThe composers were: Sally Greenaway (1984-) “Balkan Batik”\, Corrina Bonshek “Dreams of the Earth”\, Helen Gifford (1935-) “Phantasma for String Orchestra”\, Margaret Sutherland (1897-1984)\, Betty Beath (1935-) “Lament for Kosovo”\, Maria Grenfell (1969-) “Knitting Unicorns”\, Elena Kats-Chernin (1957-) “Fast Blue Village 5”. \nMusical Director\, Shilong Ye\, is a highly accomplished and internationally renowned conductor\, soloist and event manager.  Much of his time is spent travelling between Australia and China\, working on multiple projects.  Shilong writes: \n“The reason I chose these pieces for this concert is because they are beautiful\, tasteful\, bold\, intellectual\, profound and unique.  Above all\, they are music by Australian female composers\, a line-up of national talent whose works are underplayed or haven’t been played for a very long time” \nMandy encourages anyone who enjoys good music to seek out these composers. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/musica-da-camera-her-music-speaks/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240602
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240603
DTSTAMP:20240509T075453Z
CREATED:20231119T194218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T075453Z
UID:486-1717286400-1717372799@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Apeiron Baroque
DESCRIPTION:“Devastatingly capable players.” \nWe are delighted to host Apeiron Baroque for their first performance in the Courtroom  – a really great venue for these musicians. \nApeiron 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 to Canberra to reconnect with family and to share their knowledge and experience with Australian colleagues and audiences. \nTaking cues from genres of music such as pub bands\, jazz\, and folk\, Apeiron aims to present high-quality concerts that are honest\, raw\, and passionate in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Their repertoire is chosen from the early Baroque (c.1700) to the early Romantic (c.1850) and performed on period instruments in historically appropriate styles. \nViolinist/Violist and viola d’amore player John is well known to Gunning\, having directed the Musica da Camera String Orchestra for two rapturously received performances in the Shire Hall in recent years.  At this concert in the Courtroom\, he will joined by his wife Marie (fortepiano/harpsichord/piano). \nApeiron will present music from the Baroque era featuring a composer imitating birds\, a bird imitating a composer\, and music for the city siege!  Hardware for the concert will include a harpsichord\, a baroque violin\, a mistuned violin\, and a Viola dámore! \nBookings open on https://events.humanitix.com/apeiron-baroque from 5 April.  As always\, GFG welcomes enquiries at 0429 906 834 and gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/apeiron-baroque/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music\, Cnr Yass and Warataw Street\, Gunning\, NSW\, 2581\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Untitled-design13.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240414
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240415
DTSTAMP:20250311T024139Z
CREATED:20231119T023218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T024139Z
UID:477-1713052800-1713139199@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:The Acacia Quartet: Beethoven\, Alice Chance and Schubert
DESCRIPTION:VIOLINS\, VIOLA\, AND CELLO HUM AND THRUM\, SOAR AND DIVE IN GUNNING \nAbove:  GFG President Margaret Dougall thanks the Acacia Quartet at the end of their performance. \nGunning 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 their 50-plus strong\, enthusiastic audience. \nThe program comprised pieces by Australian composer Alice Chance and two greats – Beethoven and Schubert.  They were all entrancing pieces\, played superbly by four terrific musicians at the top of their game\, performing with feeling\, joy\, precision and mutual understanding. \nYou can enjoy listening to the Acacias playing the same works on the radio or your CD.  But sitting up close to them playing live in a great chamber music venue is a different and indescribably rewarding experience.  It transports you to another place. \nThe Courtroom showed what an excellent performance space it is.   Its acoustics were amazing.  And it looked just right\, with the players’ varnished wood instruments blending beautifully with the Courtroom’s judge and jury benches. \nThe audience comprised locals from around Gunning and the wider Shire\, with others coming from Canberra\, Yass\, and the like. While many were regular classical music concertgoers\, some were new to this genre.  We believe they will be back for more. \nThe Gazette’s regular concert reviewer\, Mandy McDonald\, could not attend the Acacia concert\, so this report comes from a GFG event organiser.  Readers would be right to question my objectivity when I describe the concert in such glowing terms.  But I can adduce evidence of my claims. \nThe audience gave the band frequent applause both during and at the end of each piece and a sustained standing ovation at the concert’s completion.  Parting comments from people such as “it was wonderful”\, “concerts here keep getting better and better”\, and “this music makes us come alive” also show how delighted attendees were. \nFinally\, I must commend the teams at the Old Hume Café and Telegraph Bistro who worked hard and cheerfully to serve the large numbers of people in the village on the day.  All our patrons got to the concert on time despite the two eateries being so busy.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/the-acacia-quartet-in-the-gunning-courtroom/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/concert-pic-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240303T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20240303T151500
DTSTAMP:20240509T075748Z
CREATED:20231118T021657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T075748Z
UID:473-1709474400-1709478900@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Ensemble Offspring:  Songbirds
DESCRIPTION: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. \nPictured here is flautist Lamorna Nightingale wearing her brand-new magpie earrings purchased just before the performance at Creative Gunning (just across the road from the venue).  Just the right sort of jewellery to wear for the ensemble’s bird-themed show. \nGFG thanks Music in the Regions for enabling us to bring these superb international performers to Gunning and the Shire.  We also appreciate the support from the Upper Lachlan Shire Council and others who made this event and others we organise possible. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/ensemble-offspring-songbirds/
LOCATION:The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_0512-1024x768-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231105T143000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231105T161500
DTSTAMP:20250310T040411Z
CREATED:20230126T051214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250310T040411Z
UID:360-1699194600-1699200900@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Musica da Camera Concert Report: Upper Lachlan Gazette 8 November 2023
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe audience didn’t want the afternoon to end.  For lovers of Baroque music\, this was a concert not to be missed.  Musica da Camera goes from strength to strength under the guidance of musical director John Ma. \nHis enthusiasm\, specialist knowledge and breathtaking skill as a violinist/voilist and viola d’amore player are deservedly internationally recognised. \nMusica da Camera is putting together its program for 2024 and GFG can only hope they are included. \nBy Mandy McDonald. \nSince Mandy’s report was published in the  Upper Lachlan Gazette\, GFG has been having the usual amicable and productive discussions it has always experienced with Musica da Camera.  It is almost certain the ensemble will return in 2024.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/another-very-welcome-return-musica-da-camera-led-by-early-music-wizard-john-ma/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_0394-1024x768-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231029T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231029T154500
DTSTAMP:20240509T080055Z
CREATED:20230117T052815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T080055Z
UID:349-1698588000-1698594300@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Mad Kelpie Playdate: Concert Report from GFG Facebook Page
DESCRIPTION: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. \nAnd for the first time ever\, they included a grand piano in their lineup by taking the opportunity to play Gunning’s still new Kawai GX2 instrument for most of their sets.  And they did this to excellent effect. \nGunning loved the Kelpies.  And that love was not unreciprocated.  They told us the Courtroom\, with its superb acoustics and ambience\, is one of their favourite venues.  And our piano added to their satisfaction in playing here. \nGunning Focus Group is pleased and proud to have hosted the Kelpies as our contribution to the very well-planned and managed range of activities featuring in the Gunning Arts Festival over the weekend. \nGFG says thank you and well done to all concerned in making the Festival happen.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/mad-kelpie-playdate-to-return-at-last/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_0375-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230813T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230813T154500
DTSTAMP:20240509T080303Z
CREATED:20230113T192109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T080303Z
UID:343-1691935200-1691941500@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:David Pereira (Cello) and Andrew Rumsey (Piano)
DESCRIPTION:From the Chocolate Box\nLeading 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. \n  \nMuch loved pieces for cello and piano; contemporary\, popular\, appealing and accessible – with a bit of celebrated classical for good measure. \n  \nMusic poetic\, sentimental\, sad and longing\, joyfully beautiful\, haunting and playful.  Lovers\, young and old especially welcome. \nWhen: Sunday 13 August at 2 pm. \nWhere: The Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music\, 101 Yass Street\, Gunning NSW 2581 \nTickets: $40\, concessions $35\, members $25\, U18 free. \nBookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CFIZE  [Fees apply] or contact 0429 906 834 or gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com. \nWalk-up cash or card payments are welcome while seats are available. \nGunning has all the makings for a delightful afternoon out. This historic little village is within easy reach of Goulburn\, Yass and Canberra. It has three good cafes for pre-concert dining and art\, craft\, and antique shops in an appealing historic streetscape. And 10 minutes away\, you’ll find the little town of Dalton\, which boasts a well-preserved leaf fossil deposit\, various sculptures around town\, and a historic pub with great meals\, coffee\, and cakes. \n  \n 
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/david-pereira-cello-and-andrew-rumsey-piano/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pereira-rumsey-eventbrite-no-text.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230708T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230708T160000
DTSTAMP:20240509T080355Z
CREATED:20230501T061328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T080355Z
UID:390-1688824800-1688832000@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Jerikye Williams
DESCRIPTION:“Even Better than Johnny Cash at Singing Johnny Cash”\n \n\n“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 much more. His wide operatic vocal range\, riveting stage presence\, superb guitar playing and extensive repertoire are the makings of a future star performer.\n\n\n\nGunning Focus Group was delighted to host this genuinely excellent young musician. Although the audience was small\, the enjoyment meter measured maximum. It was a highly satisfying concert for the audience\, Jerikye and his roadie\, Bailey. We all had a great time.\n\n\n\nGFG thanks ULSC Deputy Mayor Mandy McDonald for supporting this NAIDOC week event.\n\n\n\nGFG published the above review on Facebook after Jerikye’s concert.  The following concert report by Mandy McDonald\, was published in the Upper Lachlan Gazette on 12 July 2023.\nOn Saturday\, 8th July in celebration of NAIDOC week\, Jerikye Williams\, a young Wiradjuri  man from Cooma\, took to the stage at Gunning Courthouse\, presented by the Gunning Focus Group. \nWhat an afternoon it was.  Jerikye Williams is a rare and extraordinary talent.  He has  most incredible vocal range\, a charismatic stage presence and fantastic musicianship.  He more than did justice to his chosen repertoire of mainly 50’s and 60’s classics:  Elvis\, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison to name a few. \nAt only 20 years old\, this young man has a bright future.  The audience loved him.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/jerikye-williams/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_0310-768x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230611T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230611T154500
DTSTAMP:20240509T080504Z
CREATED:20230113T000138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T080504Z
UID:337-1686492000-1686498300@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Unique Baroque
DESCRIPTION:UNLIKELY COMBINATION OF INSTRUMENTS DELIGHTS GUNNING AUDIENCE \n 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). \nI have tried to provide the same objectivity and unflinching criticism Mandy brings to her work.  But the performance by harpsichordist Ariana Odermat and accordionist Anton Wurzer was such a delight that I cannot find anything negative to say. \nJS Bach and GF Handel figured prominently in their program.  The harpsichord [which came in at number 19 in the ABC Classic FM top instruments survey] provided the keyboard line in the pieces with the accordion [number 34] playing the part of flute\, oboe\, organ\, and other instruments as needed. And it did it so well.  Close your eyes\, and you could not believe the sound came from a squeezebox.  The harpsichord and accordion combined superbly to create a little orchestra\, just right for the Gunning chamber music venue. \nThis reviewer could see only one problem. The audience’s concert-going experience could have been marred when GFG management was unable to get its EFTPOS reader to work. But there was no sign of anybody’s day being ruined by this.  It is always a good sign that a concert has succeeded if the performers immediately volunteer their keenness to return. And that\, combined with audience smiles\, is what we saw at Unique Baroque’s performance. \nGFG’s next concert\, a special NAIDOC week presentation\, features young Wiradjuri singer/guitarist Jerekye Williams.  Hailed as “an enthralling performer crossing all age groups and genres”\, Jerikye will play Roy Orbison\, Chis Izaak and others\, plus his own pieces in the Courtroom on Saturday\, 8 July\, at 2 pm.   Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/jerikye-williams or contact 0429 906 834 or gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com   GFG assure the public its card reader operating skills will be top-notch by then. \nBob Spiller \nGunning Focus Group \nThis review is reproduced courtesy of the Upper Lachlan Gazette.  It was published in the Gazette of 14 June 2023
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/unique-baroque/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Anton-and-Ariana-Gunning-Concert-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230423T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230423T154500
DTSTAMP:20240509T080627Z
CREATED:20230112T234548Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T080627Z
UID:335-1682258400-1682264700@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:David and Katie:  Bob Dylan Would Have Approved
DESCRIPTION:The David and Katie concert in Gunning on Sunday 23 April won unstinting and enthusiastic praise from a small but very appreciative audience.  David Turnbull\, playing a Martin guitar modelled on those used by artists from the 1970s onwards\, and Katie Cole on violin combined to bring new life to songs by Bob Dylan\, Van Morrison\, Tom Petty and others. \nThese musicians do not look flashy.  Nor do they rehearse before performances.  They know and love their pieces and play spontaneously in the moment.  And what a wonderful job they did.  The acoustics of the Courtroom allowed their voices and instruments to be heard to the very best effect\, \nBob Dylan would have approved.  David told us that after Dylan achieved huge popularity and could fill the Madison Square Garden\, he went back to playing small halls around the country to be closer to his audiences.  Our Gunning audience was not a Madison Square-sized one\, but the total engagement of the performers and patrons was palpable – just what Dylan wanted to achieve. \nThe audience comprised people from Canberra and Yass as well as locals – reflecting a growing trend for the Gunning district to attract people seeking quality cultural experiences in an inviting country setting.  Council and locals are working to build on the natural attractions of the Picture House Gallery\, Connect @ Gunning Station\, the Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music and more.  The David and Katie Concert was a great example of what the district can offer.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/david-and-katie/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/C-IMG_0288-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230331T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230331T213000
DTSTAMP:20240509T080735Z
CREATED:20230114T050907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T080735Z
UID:354-1680289200-1680298200@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Miriam Lieberman Trio in the Dalton Hall
DESCRIPTION:The Miriam Lieberman Trio were a big hit when they played at a Focus Group concert in the Gunning Shire Hall a few years ago.  Now\, the trio will make a very welcome return to the district\, this time in nearby Dalton. \nThis is not a Focus Group concert\, but we are delighted to have played a small part in making it happen.  We strongly recommend it to you.  And we commend the Dalton Public Hall concert organisers for seizing the opportunity to bring such a terrific trio to the district. \nMiriam soars on the kora (21 stringed African harp) and acoustic guitar with her vibrant and pure vocal sound.  With Susie Bishop and Lara Goodridge (both on violin and vocals) they create luscious vocal harmonies and soaring string arrangements – a unique and enticing musical experience. \nThe link to order tickets is below. \nhttps://events.humanitix.com/an-evening-with-the-mariam-lieberman-trio?fbclid=IwAR03s4Dv9fkKKQhsKJYNgE50KBCytLFo-HwEQ8RG1cP1Ji_8BXml5cWLZig
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/miriam-lieberman-trio-in-the-dalton-hall/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230303T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230303T210000
DTSTAMP:20240509T080850Z
CREATED:20221219T060349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T080850Z
UID:334-1677871800-1677877200@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Duo Histoire: Songs of the Cities
DESCRIPTION:Due Histoire in the Courtroom – Just Outstanding\nLast Friday evening’s concert in the Courtroom by guitar and saxophone combo Duo Histoire was exceptional.  “I’ve never smiled all the way through a concert before!  Couldn’t help it\, it was just so delightful” reported one attendee.  “How can only a saxophone and a guitar produce such a sublime concert?” asked another\, adding “they are amazing musicians\, giving an outstanding and memorable performance.” \nWhile the enjoyment meter registered at the maximum\, the audience numbers were the lowest seen for a very long time.  Gunning Focus Group (GFG) will invite this very engaging duo back and\, if they return\, is determined to pack the venue out.  While saxophonist Nick Russoniello and guitarist Murilo Tanouye had a thoroughly enjoyable night\, they deserved a bigger audience and GFG believes Gunning district people will turn out in numbers now we know from experience just how superb and pleasurable they are. \nGFG partnered with Music in the Regions (MitR) to bring Duo Histoire to Gunning.  MitR’s mission is to lay down a foundation that will see more Opera House- standard performers visiting regional centres.  MitR Board members David Francis and Don Harwin were among the attendees. The cultural equity programs initiated during Mr Harwin’s time as Arts Minister have been such a benefit to us here in Gunning with the Courtroom\, Coronation Theatre and Gunning Shire Hall all benefitting from successful grant applications made by our Council in partnership with local community groups and individuals. \nMitR Board Members Don Harwin and David Francis with the Duo
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/duo-histoire-songs-of-the-cities/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_0211-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230204T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230204T153000
DTSTAMP:20240509T080922Z
CREATED:20221128T045427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T080922Z
UID:333-1675519200-1675524600@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Aeolus Wind Trio
DESCRIPTION:AN ILL WIND THAT BODES NOBODY GOOD.  Covid has necessitated the LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION of the Aeolus Wind Trio concert scheduled for 2 pm on Saturday\, 4 February\, as part of the Gunning Arts Open Day. \nWe are contacting ticket holders about their options – either obtaining a refund or transferring their tickets to one of the excellent concerts coming up in coming weeks and months. \nPlease contact us at gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com  or phone 0429 906 834 if you have any questions.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/aeolus-wind-trio-3/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Aeolus-trio.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221120T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221120T160000
DTSTAMP:20240508T070541Z
CREATED:20220604T073722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240508T070541Z
UID:309-1668952800-1668960000@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Musica da Camera
DESCRIPTION:Early Music specialist John Ma has worked with many significant ensembles around the world including the Bach Collegium of Japan\, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra\, Academia Montis Regalis\, Pinchgut Opera and oodles more. \nNow\, John will add the Gunning Shire Hall to the notable venues in which he has played. Could this be the acme of his career? \nHe will lead Canberra’s excellent String Symphony Orchestra\, Musica da Camera\, when they combine to bring us a special concert called All Baroque. It will feature enchanting pieces by Heinrich Bach\, Muffat\, Telemann and Vivaldi. \nWhen:  Sunday 20 November at 2 pm. \nWhere:  Gunning Shire Hall\, Copeland Street\, Gunning. \nTickets: $40\, concessions $30\, members $20\, U18 free.  \nBookings:  https://www.trybooking.com/CDNXC [Fees apply] or contact 0429 906 834 or gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com. \nWalk-up cash or card payments are welcome while seats available. \nGunning’s main street is recovering from the recent flash flooding which caused significant damage.  At least two of its three cafes will be open on the day of the concert for those wanting to enjoy pre-concert dining.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/musica-da-camera-8/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221106T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221106T163000
DTSTAMP:20240509T081024Z
CREATED:20221009T025056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T081024Z
UID:332-1667743200-1667752200@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:A Grand Opening for a Grand Piano
DESCRIPTION:Join us at this special concert to meet Gunning’s new grand piano in our refurbished venue. \nArnan and Katrina have created a bespoke program for this event.  It will showcase our excellent new piano in the Courtroom\, an ideal performance space to provide chamber music at its best.  A delightful afternoon of music is assured.  Light refreshments during the interval. \nTickets: $40\, concessions $30\, members $20\, U18 free. \nBookings: Buy your tickets online [Fees apply] or contact 0429 906 834 or gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com. \nWalk-up cash or card payments are welcome while seats still available.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/a-grand-opening-for-a-grand-piano/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Gunning-The-Courtroom-corflute-signs-scaled-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220908T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220908T163000
DTSTAMP:20240509T081218Z
CREATED:20220604T073330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T081218Z
UID:307-1662649200-1662654600@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:ANU Orchestra Free Concert
DESCRIPTION:FUN AND FREE! The ANU Concert Orchestra will give a free public performance in the Gunning Shire Hall at 3pm on Thursday 8 September. The 25-strong ensemble will present a selection of popular\, cheery and engaging classical pieces.\n\n\n\nDirected by Max McBride (who did an excellent job conducting Musica da Camera here last year) the orchestra comprises talented young players from the university joined by some Canberra Symphony Orchestra members. \n\n\n\nTickets readily available at the door\, but you can guarantee your place via text/phone to Gunning Focus Group 0429 906 834 or email to gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com.\n\n\n\n\nGunning Focus Group thanks the Upper Lachlan Shire Council for waiving the usual hire fee for this concert. Thank you also to the Cullerin Range Wind Farm Community Fund and the Veolia Mulwaree Trust for helping us continue bringing fine music to you.
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/anu-orchestra-free-lunchtime-concert/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ANU-Concert-Orchestra-May-2022.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220807T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220807T153000
DTSTAMP:20240508T070751Z
CREATED:20220604T073204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240508T070751Z
UID:304-1659880800-1659886200@gunningfocusgroup.com
SUMMARY:Andante Andante
DESCRIPTION:More details coming soon 🙂
URL:https://gunningfocusgroup.com/event/andante-andante/
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