Past Events
Apeiron Baroque
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…
The Acacia Quartet: Beethoven, Alice Chance and Schubert
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 their 50-plus strong, enthusiastic audience. The program comprised pieces by Australian composer Alice Chance and two greats – Beethoven and Schubert. They were all entrancing…
Ensemble Offspring: Songbirds
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 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.…
Musica da Camera Concert Report: Upper Lachlan Gazette 8 November 2023
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…
Mad Kelpie Playdate: Concert Report from GFG Facebook Page
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’s still new Kawai GX2 instrument for most of their sets. And they did this to excellent effect. Gunning loved the Kelpies. And that love…
The Acacia Quartet Returns to the Gunning Courtroom
Saturday 16 September @ 3 pm at The Courtroom: Gunning's Home of Chamber Music You can scarcely turn on ABC Classic FM without hearing this ensemble. Peter Crisp OAM, renowned Australian glass artist and, until recently, President of the Yass Music Club, has lauded them as "the best string quartet in the country”. This leading ensemble launched our 2022 concert season to a very appreciative audience in March last year. We are delighted they will be back in 2023. …
David Pereira (Cello) and Andrew Rumsey (Piano)
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, sentimental, sad and longing, joyfully beautiful, haunting and playful. Lovers, young and old especially welcome. When: Sunday 13 August at 2 pm. Where: The Courtroom:…
Jerikye Williams
"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…
Unique Baroque
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…
David and Katie: Bob Dylan Would Have Approved
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…
Miriam Lieberman Trio in the Dalton Hall
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. This 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…
Duo Histoire: Songs of the Cities
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…
Aeolus Wind Trio
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…
Musica da Camera
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…
A Grand Opening for a Grand Piano
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…
ANU Orchestra Free Concert
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…
Andante Andante
More details coming soon 🙂
We’ll Meet Again: Loosely Woven Returns to Gunning
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…
“Open Mic” fun concert
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…
Acacia Quartet
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…
Rowan Phemister and Friends
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
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
Arnan Wiesel Clavichord Recital
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,…
Arnan Wiesel Clavichord Recital
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,…
2021 Amateur Open Mic Afternoon
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
Andrew Blanch Guitar Recital
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…
Neeman Piano Duo: “Artistry for Twenty Fingers”
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…
The Miriam Lieberman Trio: “A Thing of Intoxicating Beauty”
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…
Musica da Camera – GOING AHEAD!
A great way to end the musical year. Musica da Camera never disappoints. Enjoyable, accessible music played with pleasure by really good musicians. Conducted by Rosemary Macphail, with brilliant young soloist Fumiyo Yamamoto. Enquiries to gunningfocusgroup@gmail.com or Bob on 4845 8217.
Amateur Fun Concert – GOING AHEAD!
It's official! The 2020 Amateur Fun Concert is up and running. Be one the first to sign up to perform at this kid and adult-friendly supportive concert for amateur players of all levels of ability. Last year we enjoyed guitar, piano, banjo, trumpet, drums, singing and more from performers aged 7 to 70! If you have always wanted to play in public but been too nervous to make a start, here is a great way to get up on stage…
Arnan Wiesel Clavichord
Yass based Israeli born pianist Arnan is well known to us here in Gunning. He is also known and respected internationally, having played in important music centres around the world. Here in Australia he has performed with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australia Ensemble, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Canberra Symphony Orchestra, the Adelaide Festival, the Hunter and Huntington Festivals, and in the Canberra Chamber Music Festival. Arnan’s most recent visit to the Courtroom was earlier this year when he came…
Mad Kelpie Playdate
Mad Kelpie Playdate’s debut performance for Gunning Focus Group drew unsolicited rave reviews together with requests for the early return of this instrumental, Celtic, trad, five piece band. You speak. Your committee hears. We are delighted to welcome them back. This concert, featuring Gunning and regionally based artists, is our contribution to the Gunning Arts Festival.
Loosely Woven on the Road
Loosely Woven, the Sydney-based music ensemble that brought you Trial by Jury in 2019, is returning with an eclectic and very entertaining concert. The program will include a few songs addressing social justice issues including a fabulous song by Australian singer/songwriter Khristian Mizzi called ‘We ain’t all equal’, Eric Bogle’s powerful ’Shelter’ and a very clever parody of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Sound of Silence’ called ‘Confounds the Science’ which expresses concern over the way the current US President and some…
Raga Shambhala Concert
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…
Andante Andante aka The ABBA Choir
Directed by Katie Cole Piano Accompanist Katrina Rivera The Andante Andante Choir is excited to share their love of ABBA with Gunning. Their concert will showcase ABBA’s most popular hits plus some great, but lesser known, songs. It promises to be an uplifting afternoon and have you singing along. “You can dance, you can jive. Having the time of your life”. Abba Tickets: $30, concessions $25, members $20, U15 free. NB: Cash only at the door. Direct debit details available…
Bach in the Dark
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…
An Italian Country Afternoon
Leanne Bear (violin), Maartje Sevenster (voice) and Dianna Nixon (piano) Chamber music, Gunning Court Room. Showcasing 24 Italian songs and arias long used in vocal classical music studies.
Inaugural Amateur Fun Concert
Local beginning musicians and performers (open mic)
Musica da Camera
String orchestra
The Mad Kelpie Playdate
Instrumental Celtic trad five piece band
Alice Giles OAM (harp)
Chamber music
The String Contingent
Chamber music
Emerging Talents Concert
Showcasing young Gunning and regional musicians, Court Room Will Luck, Natalie Ford (guitar and vocals) Johan Smith and Angus Kemmis (piano), Kyra Van Winden (vocals) and Thady O’Connor (guitar and group mentor)
Bach in the Dark
Rachel Scott and David Pereira (cellos) Chamber music
Musica da Camera
Orchestral music
Aeolus Wind Trio
Jodie Petrov, flute, Lis Hoorweg, clarinet, and David Whitbread, bassoon Chamber music
Youth Concert
Sarah Giddy, Jonah Smith, Angus Kemmis, Will Luck, Jessica Grainger
Musica da Camera
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/
David Pereira and Friends
David Pereira - cello; Edward Neeman - piano; (with Stephanie Neeman - piano; and April Mills - soprano)
Pleasures and Palaces – a Parlour Afternoon
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
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
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…
OcTubaFest
Musical event
Musica da Camera
Orchestral music
David Pereira & Edward Neeman
David Pereira, cello, Edward Neeman, piano
Katrina Rivera, piano
Recital
Carlos Alberto Perez
Spanish guitar recital
Octubafest 2015
Once again the Ooms and Pahs will be rocking the foundations of the Gunning Hall on Saturday October 17th. The world famous Australian Tuba Quartet will perform a medley of great brass music to get the feet tapping, the hands clapping and the voices singing. Last year, the world stood still for a few moments when the Quartet kicked off the inaugural Octubafest in Gunning NSW. Quartet frontman, Tim Buzbee is promising new musical pieces, as well as old drinking…
Musica da Camera in Gunning 2014
The string orchestra Musica da Camera will be returning to the Shire Hall, Gunning on Saturday, 9 August. The orchestra has proved to be enormously popular in the region and Gunning is a regular venue. Details of the program will be published on this website when they are available.
The String Contingent in Gunning 2014
The String Contingent, consisting of Chris Stone, violin, Holly Downes, double bass, and Graham McLeod, guitar, will be playing their special brand of original music in Gunning's Courtroom on Sunday, 13 July at 2pm. More details of the group can be found at thestringcontingent.com. Their music draws from genres including Celtic, classical, jazz and bluegrass. They describe their music as they '....burnish their original compositions through the clarity and precision of a meticulous "chamber music" ethos.' Not to be missed.
Pastance in Gunning 2014
Pastance, the troubadors, will be performing in the Gunning Courtroom on Sunday, 15 June 2014. They consist of multi-instumentalists Alex and Megan Cronin and Myfanwy Dibben. The group sings traditional songs from many parts of the world, accompanying themselves on traditional instruments, recorders, lute, guitar and hand drums. This is the third time that Pastance have visited Gunning, always to great acclaim.
The String Contingent (contemporary chamber music)
As a change of pace after the National Capital Orchestra the week before, we are presenting a concert by the chamber music group The String Contingent on Sunday, 21 October at 2pm on the Gunning Court Room, Yass Street, Gunning. As usual, for bookings and more information contact Mike or Wendy on 4845 1566, 0417 663 045 or at michael.coley@bigpond.com.
National Capital Orchestra and David Pereira
The National Capital Orchestra is once again visiting Gunning, for the second time in two years. David, who has long been a great supporter of the Focus Group, says' "I will play Dvorak concerto with the National Capital Orchestra this October 14 at the Q in Queanbeyan. I think Beethoven Pastoral still might be envisaged as well, as per our discussions last year. like to present this program also in Gunning, as last year was so successful". The…
Musica da Camera (chamber orchestra)
Music da Camera, the Canberra based chamber orchestra, is once again visiting Gunning's Shire Hall on Sunday 19 August at 2pm. The program on this occasion is based on the theme of dance, and while dancing in the aisles won't be encouraged, foot tapping will almost certainly be de rigeur. The program as sent to the Focus Group is: Here is a packed and rather eclectic program, including a work by the conductor, Joshua McHugh. Purcell: Abdelazer, or the Moor's…
The Perfectionist
Theatre South/Eureka Theatre Company/STARTS