By ANEEKA SIMONI
STRATHVEA Festival has returned for its third annual performance, welcoming back nationally renowned chamber group, the Australian Haydn Ensemble.
The musicians, who have performed in venues across the country including the Sydney Opera House, will offer an intimate concert at the Strathvea Guest House in Healesville on 16 and 17 August.
Over one hundred years old, the guest house will be filled with renditions of classical music up to 400 years old, played by period instruments under candlelight.
Starting at 5pm on Saturday 17 August, the quartet will perform their first concert, “Stylus Fantasticus” which will include music by composers Rosenmuller, Becker, Fischer, Buxtehude and Biber. It will then be followed by the ensemble’s string quartet performance of Haydn classics.
Festival organiser Deanna Eccles said the performance was standout.
“Listening to the ensemble is the most beautiful and exquisite experience I have ever had. I can’t find words for it … it sends tingles up my spine,” Eccles said.
The festival will culminate on 18 Sunday with a poetry recital by former Blue Heelers actor John Wood against the ensemble.
Eccles said the poetry, both classic and modern, helped create a romantic narrative to the string performance.
By breaking up the concert with poetry, John adds imagination to the experience instead of allowing people to just float away with the music,” she said.
Eccles said the performance added a new dimension to the Yarra Valley area which was often pinned as the food and wine region of Victoria.
“The performance is highly professional and a good example of what Yarra Valley can give its visitors.
Seating is limited to 40 guests per performance. For bookings and information, call 5962 4109 or visit http://www.strathveafestival.com.au/.
