Concert Report by Mandy McDonald  Upper Lachlan Gazette  5 June 2024 For lovers of Baroque music, the only place to be on Sunday, 2nd June was the Gunning Courtroom.  Gunning Focus Group presented "Apeiron Baroque"; John Ma played an assortment of violins and viola d'amore and Marie Searled played the harpsichord. This was a concert not to be missed and the audience was delighted.  The music was wonderful and John interspersed each piece with information, facts and figures about the…

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, this was a concert not to be missed.  Musica da Camera goes from strength to strength under the guidance of musical director John Ma. His…

"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 much more. His wide operatic vocal range, riveting stage presence, superb guitar playing and extensive repertoire are the makings of a future star performer. Gunning…

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 and unflinching criticism Mandy brings to her work.  But the performance by harpsichordist Ariana Odermat and…

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. These musicians do not look flashy.  Nor do they rehearse before performances.  They know and love their pieces and play…

Due Histoire in the Courtroom - Just Outstanding Last 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.” While the enjoyment meter registered at the maximum, the…

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. We 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. Please contact us at gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com  or phone 0429 906 834 if you have any…

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. Now, John will add the Gunning Shire Hall to the notable venues in which he has played. Could this be the acme of his career? He 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…

  Join us at this special concert to meet Gunning’s new grand piano in our refurbished venue. Arnan 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. Tickets: $40, concessions $30, members $20, U18 free. Bookings: Buy your tickets online  or contact 0429 906 834…

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. Directed 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. Tickets readily available at the door, but you can guarantee…

More details coming soon 🙂

ABOUT LOOSELY WOVEN RETURNS to the Gunning Courtroom 1 pm Saturday 2 April. A huge 21 singers and musicians will treat us to a light-hearted, folky, acoustic concert with just a touch of classical as well. Your absolute enjoyment is guaranteed. Tickets: $30, members $20, U 15 free. Book online: https://www.trybooking.com/BYCKP, or pay by cash or card at the door. Bookings/enquiries gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com or 0429 906 834. Gunning has two good cafes and a bistro at which to enjoy…

              DO YOU PLAY OR LEARN MUSIC? Keen to perform your favourite piece in a supportive “open mic” fun concert? Join us at the Gunning Court Room at 2.00pm on Sunday, 6 March. Musicians of all levels and of all ages can get together in a friendly session, from performers of “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star” to the “Moonlight Sonata.” Bring the family and friends or no-one, it’s up you. Choice of upright piano or…

Music in the Regions and Gunning Focus Group present an evening of classical music from the Acacia Quartet playing Mozart, Chance and Borodin. Photo: Little Image Co.  Date: Friday 4th March 2022 Time: 7.30pm Venue: Gunning Courtroom, Cnr Yass and Warataw Streets, Gunning Bookings: Purchase tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/863196 To reserve a seat call 0429 906 834 or email gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com Walk-up cash or card payments are welcome at the door. Excellent pre-concert buffet dinner for patrons provided by Kiki’s at Gunning…

Three Exciting Young Musicians Combine to Bring Exhilarating Program to Gunning Hear tomorrow’s stars today. These talented and accomplished young musicians aren’t household names just yet and we cannot guarantee they will go on to future international fame. But Gunning Focus Group can assure you their concert will be a ten-star rating delight. You can look forward to: Johann Sebastian Bach: Concerto for Violin and Oboe, BWV1060 Carlos Salzedo: Variations sur un thème dans le style ancien, Op.30 Camille Saint-Saëns:…

Musica da Camera Full program details out soon, but we do know that their program will not fail to please. You can book now, confident of a delightful afternoon of excellent music ahead. You can also check out their website: musicadacamera.org.au Tickets: $35, concessions $30, members $20, U18 free. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/BTIGN Fees apply. Walk-up cash and card payments welcome at the door while seats still available. Enquiries: 4845 8217 or gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com

Israeli born Yass resident Arnan Wiesel is a noted international award-winning pianist. We are delighted Arnan will give the first public performance of his brand new clavichord, modelled on one owned by Joseph Haydn, here in Gunning. Clavichords were favoured by some of the greatest composers from the 1600s to early 1800s – including Handel, Couperin and CPE Bach. To J.S. Bach, the clavichord was “the most expressive of all the keyboard instruments”. Arnan will play works by J.S. Bach,…

Israeli born Yass resident Arnan Wiesel is a noted international award-winning pianist. We are delighted Arnan will give the first public performance of his brand new clavichord, modelled on one owned by Joseph Haydn, here in Gunning. Clavichords were favoured by some of the greatest composers from the 1600s to early 1800s – including Handel, Couperin and CPE Bach. To J.S. Bach, the clavichord was “the most expressive of all the keyboard instruments”. Arnan will play works by J.S. Bach,…

If you are an amateur musician who would like the chance to to perform in front of a friendly audience, then this event is for you! We warmly welcome performers of all ages and musical abilities. Details are still be confirmed, but if you would like to register your interest, please contact organiser Kath on 0472 699 920 or email gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com Youth Concert, Nov 2017  

This acclaimed exponent of the classical guitar presents an intimate journey that pairs his love of the cultures and music of both Europe and Latin America.  His program includes works by Vivaldi, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Piazzolla and more! “Andrew Blanch is a gift to the guitar. Rarely does this instrument enjoy being played by someone of such musicality", said José Carbó, baritone and principal artist at the Metropolitan Opera, New York.  And rarely do we get an opportunity like this to hear…

Acclaimed across the world for their impeccable musicianship and onstage chemistry, husband-and-wife duo Stephanie and Edward Neeman will enchant with a unique recital mixing the dramatic, romantic and whimsical. Here are two short previews for you to enjoy – Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers and Neil Diamond’s I’m a Believer with a bit of Bach at the end. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52T49sVjfaA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0iiEURyrEE Stephanie and Edward, both virtuoso pianists, are accustomed to playing on grand pianos around the world. Indeed, they played on…

Miriam 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. Tickets: $35, concessions $30, members $20, U18 free. Bookings: Try Bookings (Fees apply). Walk-up cash payments welcome at the door while seats still available. Card payments not possible at venue. Enquiries: 4845 8217 or…

Featuring Ayako Ikeda, Tenzin Choegyal and Taro Terahara Drawing on their rich musical traditions Tenzin (Tibetan instruments & vocals), Taro (Indian bansuri) and Ayako (Indian tabla) invoke the vastness of space and the beauty of the high Tibetan plateau in the music they create Tickets $35 - Concession $30 - Members $20 - Under 15 free Bookings - michael.coley@bigpond.com - 0415 378 816 Tickets also available at the door - cash only PLACES LIMITED – BOOK EARLY View the concert…

Two great cellists, Rachel Scott and David Pereira, are back by popular demand in the Gunning Courtroom at 8pm on Saturday 19 October. Rachel and David were a really big hit with the audience last time they were in Gunning. Members asked us to ask them back. We were delighted to do so. This concert has already attracted more pre bookings than usual. The prudent patron, wanting to avoid any possibility of tears at the courtroom door, will book in…

The well known string orchestra Musica da Camera will return to Gunning's Shire Hall on Sunday, 20 August 2017 conducted by Leonard Weiss and will be playing the following Fuchs "Serenade for Strings no 2" Mercadante "Flute concerto" with soloist Jodie Petrov Britten "Simple Symphony" Rautavaara "The Fiddlers" Chesky "Psalm no 1" There are details on the web site at musicadacamera.org.au or on our Facebook page "Musica da Camera Canberra" https://www.facebook.com/musicadacameracanberra1/

Piano, flute and soprano concert - Katrina Rivera, piano, Susan West, flute and piano, and Georgia Pike, soprano, will present a concert "Pleasures and Palaces: a Parlour Afternoon" in the Courtroom, Old Gunning Courthouse, at 2pm on Sunday, 2 July. Tickets $25, concessions and Focus Group members $20. Presented by Gunning Focus Group. Enquiries and bookings 4845 1566, 0417 663 045 or michael.coley@bigpond.com.

Adhoc Baroque will present a concert at St Edmund's Anglican Church, Biala Street, Gunning, at 2pm on Sunday, 23 April. The program for the concert is: G. Brunetti - Stabat Mater A. Scarlatti - Salve Regina A. Stradella - O Vos Omnes M. Charpentier - Magdalena lugens The full ensemble is : Peter Young, organ Greta Claringbould, soprano Maartje Sevenster, alto Barbara Jane Gilby, violin 1 Pip Thompson, violin 2 Michelle Higgs, viola Clara Teniswood, cello The centerpiece of this…

The String Contingent, Which has performed in Gunning twice before to great acclaim, will present a concert in Gunning's Court Room at the Old Court House on Sunday, 19 March at 2pm. Tickets are $30, concessions and Gunning Focus Group members $25, and students/youth $10. Bookings: michael.coley@bigpond.com, 0417 663 045 or 4845 1566 About The String Contingent: Renowned acoustic chamber-folk trio The String Contingent have toured extensively in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Scandinavia, with their unique sound that…