By Carole Franklin
After a Covid-enforced break, the Healesville-based Riddell Ensemble is looking forward to performing in public again in its popular Notes on Sunday concert series.
The acclaimed chamber music group will perform at the Darron Honey Centre in Healesville on Sunday 27 March and give a repeat performance at Upwey High School, courtesy of the Dandenong Ranges Music Council, on Sunday 10 April.
Pianist Carole Franklin founded the Riddell Ensemble almost a decade ago. She had left the vibrant music scene of Queensland to move to Healesville and was determined to seek out other musicians to continue her love of chamber music.
She teamed up with several other classically trained musicians from the local area and the Riddell Ensemble was born, eventually discovering an ideal performance venue in the Darron Honey Centre.
“Far from being an overly serious, dying artform, our aim is to make chamber music an accessible and exciting concert format,” Carole said.
“We started as a trio of piano, violin and cello, and later expanded to a quartet, then a quintet. There are now seven of us playing in various combinations.”
The concert on 27 March will begin at 2.30 and feature a flautist and trumpeter as well as the usual strings and piano. Entry is by donation, with tea and coffee available afterwards, proceeds going to charity.
The musicians will play music by Mozart, Suk, Saint-Saens and Bozza.
Seats can be reserved by emailing sundaynoteson493@gmail.com. Booking for either the Healesville or Upwey concerts is recommended though not essential, but Covid vaccination is required.
The Darron Honey Centre is located beside the Uniting Church in the centre of Healesville.
