Local harpist Alana Guthrie-Jones will perform at the third annual MelbaTHIS March the Melba Festival celebrates its third year.
Everyone is welcome to join in for a carefree autumn weekend in the Yarra Valley.
Inspired by the magic that made Dame Nellie Melba an international star in the 1900s, the festival’s program has been designed to provide a unique range of performances and experiences, with the Yarra Valley’s natural beauty providing the backdrop.
Heidi Crunwell, media and marketing communications manager, said that a selection of bright new talent and established performers makes up the Melba Festival program for 2008.
She said that the festival opens with a flourish at Domaine Chandon, featuring a recital by pianist James Brawn and a supper of oysters and sparkling wine.
A series of performances combined with a Melba lunch menu is organised for Saturday and Sunday.
Other festival highlights include The Flinders Quartet, Leonard and Slava Grigoryan, the Constanze and Freshwater Trios.
Late last week local harpist Alana Guthrie-Jones visited Coombe Farm, owned by Pamela Lady Vestey, Dame Nellie Melba’s granddaughter to get a feel of the festival.
Dame Nellie Melba’s memorabilia lines every wall in the cellar door, including performance programs, her personal fan, old recordings and personal notes written by Dame Nellie Melba.
Alana began learning the harp at the age of eight and three years later was awarded a scholarship to attend the Victorian College of The Arts Secondary School, studying with Julie Raines (principal harp, MSO).
Alana went on to complete her Bachelor of Music Performance at the Victorian College of The Arts.
The festival runs over the weekend of March 14 to 16 throughout the Yarra Valley.
