We are delighted to announce the launch of the Melbourne International Music Festival.
The Festival will take place in the glorious space of Melbourne Parish Church with its wonderful acoustics. The Festival has at its heart, chamber music of the highest quality, led by Graham Oppenheimer, the renowned viola player, teacher and Artistic Director.
Firstly, save the dates...
Friday 1 October
Carducci String Quartet
Widely regarded as one of the UK's leading quartets, renowned for “performances of supreme clarity, focus and precision” by Gramophone Magazine.
Their concert starts with Dvořák's “American” Quartet, followed by Haydn’s “Frog” Quartet.
Festival Artistic Director Graham Oppenheimer then joins them for a Mozart Quintet. This “opera in chamber music” is full of inventiveness, brilliance and beautiful moments.
Friday 24 September
Opening Concert
Bach Sonata for Solo Violin, Mathilde Milwidsky, named Classic FM’s Rising Star, opens the Festival, atmospherically filling the church with her unaccompanied sound.
Solo Violin and the Melbourne Church Bells.
This is a totally unique new piece from the Music Festival’s Composer in Residence, the award-winning Jacob Fitzgerald. This composition will be a first in the world of music.
Brahms Sextet in G Major, Op. 36
The concert ends with Mathilde being joined by Artistic Director Graham Oppenheimer and four outstanding emerging young international string players for a performance of this highly personal and warm sextet.
Saturday 25
September: Red Priest – “A Baroque Extravaganza”
Recently described in the New York Times as ‘the wildly virtuosic little band’, Red Priest has developed a truly unique style, combining high-energy performance, boundary-crossing arrangements and theatrical presentation.
They delight audiences across the globe, including over 50 tours of America and Canada.
Saturday 2 October
“Bach to Bond” & Mendelssohn Octet for Strings
The first half of this programme features Bach Jazz on a G String, Bond themes “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Goldfinger”.
Led by two outstanding singers, Karen England of “Opera Babes”, known for her crossover style, and jazz vocalist Freddie Benedict, who regularly performs at Ronnie Scott's and the 606 Club.
They are backed by eight outstanding international string players, including the Leader of Opera North, members of the CBSO and young professional students from the Royal College and Royal Academy of Music.
Mendelssohn Octet for Strings, Op. 44
The second half is played by the eight string players. This work is one of the most iconic and exciting in the chamber music repertoire and is a perfect piece for the Music Festival setting.
In order to put these concerts on, will need your help as Friends, Patrons, Sponsors and Volunteers.
For all enquiries, please email info@melbourneinternationalmusicfestival.com