World-class experience

A series of string events this week will delight local musicians as the AUSTA WA Albany Festival of Strings takes place.

The festival consists of four events — a talk, cello performance, festival day and a workshop.

AUSTA WA festival co-ordinator Louise Sandercock said one of the highlights of the festivities is a world-class live performance from renowned cellist Michael Goldschlager.

“Michael has enjoyed a long career as a successful soloist, as well as a chamber musician for many years with the Macquarie Piano Trio and is well known not only across Australian but internationally also,” she said.

“He is also a very engaging speaker, and his show this Friday will break somewhat from the usual protocols of a formal instrumental recital and will instead offer a more original presentation of a wide range of repertoire.

“In addition to public events, Michael will also be working with string students at Great Southern Grammar and with members of the Albany Sinfonia (the community orchestra in Albany) at their mid-weekly rehearsal this week.”

Sandercock said that locally, there was a thriving community of string musicians — about 150 school-aged students with access to a number of dedicated teachers.

“There are also many dedicated adult string players who are regular members of the Albany Sinfonia and other community chamber music groups which perform from time to time throughout the year,” she said.

The first event, a talk this evening has already sold out. The Cello Show will take place tomorrow at 7.30pm at the Albany Uniting Church, and the workshops are at ASHS Performing Arts Centre on Sunday from 9.30am.

The String Festival Day will be held on Saturday, August 12 from 9am and includes 40 string players of all different ages and levels. They will play both in solo and/or as part of a chamber ensemble.

“Musician or not, music is something that all can enjoy and it might even encourage for new string players for the future,” Sandercock said.

“I would encourage as many as are able to experience for themselves a live performance from such a world class artist and musician.” Tickets are available to the Cello Show and the workshops are available at austa.asn.au.

People can register for the festival day at ASHS Performing Arts Centre.