Music in the Blue Mountains
After a stellar debut in 2021, Blackheath Chamber Music Festival returns in April 2022 for a wonderful 4-day ANZAC weekend of exquisite classical music, featuring Lior and some of Australia’s outstanding artists – sourced nationally, internationally and locally.
Lior
Featuring a dozen concerts and 45 top-drawer artists, the festival – this year with the theme of ‘Blue Mist’ – takes place in the Phillips Hall, opposite Blackheath Railway Station, next to picturesque Blackheath Gardens.
The sublime music-making begins on Friday afternoon 22 April 12.30pm with an appropriately bluesy, ‘saxy’ feel and an Afternoon of Gershwin, featuring Nexas Quartet joined by one of Australia’s best-loved pianists, Gerard Willems AM. At 3.30pm, shimmering New York-based Australian pianist Andrea Lam presents a recital showcasing her “thrilling virtuosity, melting lyricism and spirited eloquence” – with the audience able to choose some of the pieces she will play! In the evening, from 8.00pm, the popular Goldner String Quartet return with a classical selection both elegant and silkily stylish.
Andrea Lam
Saturday morning features the Wentworth Falls-based, internationally acclaimed Streeton Trio; the late-afternoon treat is Ensemble Offspring with one of Australia’s most exhilarating percussionists Claire Edwardes alongside flautist Lamorna Nightingale, and clarinettist Jason Noble. Their Songbirds at Dusk is dynamic, evocative new music reflecting country and nature. Saturday night showcases the “addictive sound” of internationally acclaimed Tinalley String Quartet, joined by Benjamin Kopp on piano, promising an epic program!
Sunday opens with the Symphony Trio (featuring long-time Sydney Symphony artists Matthew Wilkie (bassoon), Louise Johnson (harp) and Janet Web (flute). The Orava Quartet, right (“One of the most exciting string quartets of its generation” – The Australian) are the afternoon delight before the Streeton Trio team up at 8.00pm with virtuoso oboist Diana Doherty and three more ‘friends’… for a super septet of stars!
There’s no let-up on the quality artists featured on Monday (Anzac Day) with the morning offering Blue Mountains-based Kanimbla Quartet joined by recently retired SSO principal horn player Robert Johnson. Monday afternoon features violinist Véronique Serret and Didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton(left) as they blend western music traditions with compelling, ancient sounds of Country. Their Heartland is a poetic, major work. Finally Tinalley String Quartet return at 7.00pm with celebrated singer-songwriter Lior and a closing concert, Through Nature to Eternity, with achingly beautiful music exploring life, death and introspection.
Visitors to the mountains and locals should also make time to sample the shops and delicious delights of picturesque Blackheath’s cafes, restaurants and bakeries, as well as local wineries (but remember to book ahead). And if there’s time, don’t neglect the breathtaking vistas and Campbell Rhododendron Gardens!
Blackheath Chamber Music Festival 2022
22 to 25 April at Phillips Hall, corner of 41 Gardiner Crescent and
Great Western Highway, Blackheath (directly opposite the Railway Station)
Individual concert tickets are on sale now!
Discounted Festival GOLD Passes & Day Passes only available until 7 January 2022.
Bookings, full program and information, visit www.mountainproductions.com.au
