Chamber music fans were treated to sublime instrumental performances from Australia’s leading musicians in three stunning Gosford locations over the weekend of October 6-8, with the return of the Central Coast’s Crossroads Chamber Music Festival.
Under the creative eye of Crossroads Artistic Director and violin virtuoso Madeleine Easton, the popular festival – now in its 15th year – was presented with Central Coast Conservatorium of Music.
It included five events across three venues – the Conservatorium’s renovated Robert Knox Hall and courtyard, the historic St Mary’s Chapel and Gosford Anglican Church.
“We are still basking in the afterglow of a full weekend (and more) of quality chamber music in three of the Central Coast’s most beautiful venues and feel replete after experiencing world-class chamber music right here in the heart of the Central Coast region,” said Easton, who was the only Australian musician to perform at the King’s Coronation in May.
“The local Concertante Ensemble shone, giving beautiful renditions of the Mozart and Brahms quintets.
“The Phoenix Collective’s Quartet recital thrilled us all to end the festival.
“I am also very proud to have brought two of Australia’s most celebrated pianists Phillip Shovk and Clemens Leske to the festival this year, and it was my absolute honour to perform with them for the opening Gala and Concert 2.
“I would also like to thank the audience for embracing Bach Akademie Australia.”
The festival kicked off with a VIP Gala Reception and intimate recital in Robert Knox Hall with Madeleine Easton and acclaimed concert pianist Phillip Shovk, who entertained the audience with the first movement of Beethoven’s Sonata No 1 followed by the toe-tapping Spanish work 7 Cancioned Popilares Espanoles by De Falla.
The duo concluded their energetic performance with the Romanian virtuoso violin showpiece Hora Staccato by Griogoras Dinicu.
In a treat for Bach fans, day two of the festival started with Bach Akademie Australia’s Bach on Saturday concert in St Mary’s Church.
The festival then moved back to Robert Knox Hall in the afternoon for a concert by Madeleine Easton and pianist Clemens Leske.
Easton wowed the hushed audience with Capriccio Per Sonare Il Violino Con Tre Corde a Moda de Lira by Italian virtuoso violinist and composer Biagio Marini, before the duo finished the first half with Beethoven’s Spring Sonata.
Clemens Leske’s breathtaking performance of the second movement of contemporary Australian composer Carl Vine’s Piano Sonata No 1 was a standout of the concert, followed by the violin Sonata no 2 in D Major by Prokoviev, complete with the beautifully moving and expansive melody of the first movement.
On Sunday, a packed Gosford Anglican Church was the venue for the Central Coast’s Concertante Ensemble concert led by Concertante Artistic Director and Con’s Head of Strings, Karina Moss-Hollands.
The Concertante performed two string quintets, from Mozart and Brahms, with the concert also featuring special performances from the Con’s Junior Strings and Senior Rotary Strings ensembles.
Former CCCM teacher and Phoenix Collective Artistic Director, Dan Russell, returned to Gosford for the show-stopping festival finale in Robert Knox Hall on Sunday evening.
The string quartet delivered an energetic end to the three-day event.
“There are many of you who share my deep love of classical music, and know its benefits for both the mind, body and soul,” he said.
“Many of you came to each and every concert, living the music with us as we journeyed from concert to concert,” Easton said.
“The Crossroads Festival is very close to my heart, and I cannot wait to join you next year for an even more special festival in 2024.
“Stay tuned for dates and artists.”
Source:
Central Coast Conservatorium