Pre-Concert Talk 2:15pm

‘Up Close and Personal‘ hosted by 2MBS Fine Music Sydney presenter and producer, Simon Moore

The concert begins with a viola solo transcription of Prelude and Fugue in C minor by JS Bach, exploring the many sentiments of the human soul.

Australian composer Alan Holley marks his 70th birthday with a showcase of vocal and chamber music, including the world premiere of My Garden is a Siren and She Sings (2024) for flute and three strings. This piece reflects Holley’s fascination with birdsong and the natural sounds at his home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Ophelia, inspired by the beauty of Lady Elliot Island in the Great Barrier Reef, portrays the memories of lighthouse keepers.

The program also includes a flute transcription of Anton Dvořák’s American Quartet, composed in a serene setting away from his busy life in New York City. Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96 provides a refreshing conclusion to this exceptional concert.

The Sydney Chamber Music Festival is an annual event at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum, featuring top Australian musicians performing a mix of classical and contemporary music at affordable prices. Held over one weekend, the festival is known for its creative programming inspired by the gallery’s art exhibitions. The festival includes a special concert for families with special needs and premieres a new Australian composition each year. With only 100 seats, the festival offers an intimate experience near Manly Wharf, easily accessible by ferry from Sydney’s CBD. Concert times are convenient for both young families and the elderly.

Proudly supported by The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

Supporting the arts in Australia by Australians and for Australians since 1954.