Classical treat in the vineyards

By Melissa Meehan
THE Yarra Valley will play host to the third annual Melba Festival on the weekend of March 14 to 16, with 15 classical artists performing across 14 superb wineries and restaurants over three days.
The festival’s grand opening will be at Domaine Chandon on Friday 14 March with a recital from pianist James Brawn.
Following the grand opening, the Melba program will offer a wonderful selection of performances by leading Australian classical artists.
Classical guitar recitals by Leonard and Slava Grigoryan, a performance by contemporary composers, The Constanze Trio, and Rhonda Burchmore performing at Rochford Wines’ outdoor amphitheatre, is just a sample of this year’s wide and varied selection of talented artists and musicians.
The Melba Festival program changes every year, and this year is no exception, promising refreshing new talent.
For the first time a Melba Menu has been incorporated into the festival tickets at most venues.
The Melba Menu consists of a minimum two-course lunch matched with a glass of Yarra Valley wine.
Melba Menu prices range, for example, from $55 per person at Domaine Chandon on Friday evening, with a performance by James Brawn.
Or for the more indulgent, on Saturday evening, March 15, a three-course meal with wine included at Balgownie Estate whilst enjoying a performance by Sylvie Boisel, a French cabaret singer for $108.90.
“Ticket sales to the 2008 Melba Festival are on track to exceed last year’s total. Many performances will prove to be a hit with visitors coming from across Victoria to experience classical music in the vineyards.” said Jennifer Hutchison, CEO of Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs Marketing.
“We are looking forward to hosting some of Australia’s best classical artists performing in the picturesque Yarra Valley.”
Tickets to all performances are available online at www.melbafestival.-com.au, or telephone 1300 765 584.
The performance program can be viewed on the Melba Festival website, or call 1300 765 584.