MUSIC aficionados are being enticed to the Hills this spring for a weekend of fine music as part of the inaugural Darlington Chamber Music Spring Festival on October 22 and 23.
Headlining the three concert series is brilliant WA soprano Sara Macliver who will deliver an evening performance at Guildford Grammar’s historic Edwardian Gothic chapel on October 22.
Artistic director Jon Tooby said Macliver was regarded as one of the nation's leading exponents of the baroque repertoire.
“There is no question she is very unique,” he said.
“She has a very pure sound that is almost angelic making Guildford’s stunning chapel an amazing, resonant space for her style.”
Mr Tooby said Macliver’s rich voice was the perfect vehicle for performing signature pieces by Respighi and Vivaldi.
“Vivaldi’s Nulla in mundo pax sincera is considered to be one of Vivaldi’s most beautiful solo motets,” he said.
“Meanwhile Brahms’ music is texturally very rich and his String Sextet in G Minor is a very pure chamber classic.
“Brahms had an uncanny ability to capture almost every emotion in his music.”
Prior to Macliver’s performance there will be an intimate morning concert at Darlington’s picturesque stone church. Darlington’s St Cuthbert’s church will be filled with the sounds of the much-acclaimed Darlington String Quartet performing pieces by Haydn, Janacek and Mendelssohn.
The final concert at the scenic hills vineyard of Darlington Estate Winery on Sunday, October 23 will treat guests to Schubert’s beloved Trout Quintet, accompanied by a sumptuous feast prepared by the chefs.
Mr Tooby said it would be a fitting finale to a memorable weekend.
“Schubert’s peerless Trout Quintet is melodic genius and possibly the most famous of all chamber music,” he said.
“It’s just a whole lot of fun to play and hear and will really suit the atmosphere of the lunch.”
Mr Tooby said the Spring Festival was the perfect excuse to book a B& B and stay in the Hills for the weekend.
“The Hills is gorgeous in the spring with abundant wildflowers, the creeks are still flowing from the winter rain and there is a plethora of cafes, galleries and walking trails to discover.”
Concert 1 is on Saturday, October 22 at 11am at St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church in Darlington. Adults $55, concession $50.
Concert 2 is on Saturday, October 23 at 7pm at Guildford Grammar School Chapel. Supper and a glass of wine will be served after the show. Adults $60, concession $55.
Concert 3 on Sunday, October 23 at 12pm at Darlington Estate Winery. Adults $110, concession $105 including lunch.
Tickets can be purchased from Bendigo Bank Mundaring contact 9295 6411 Tuesday to Friday or purchase tickets from 2 Café or the Darlington Post Office.