http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTzfNrMMh_o
The 21st anniversary Tyalgum Festival of Classical Music will open with a performance by Canadian pianist Avan Yu, who was announced as the winner of the Sydney International Piano Competition in July.
Born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver, Avan had his first piano lesson on his fifth birthday. By the age of 14, he was recognised as a child prodigy, performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and invited to be the featured soloist on their national tour of Canada.
He has since gone on to perform worldwide in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Philharmonie in Berlin, the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid and the Salle Cortot in Paris.
And, on September 7, Avan will be able to add the Tweed’s historic Tyalgum Hall to that list. ‘We are absolutely thrilled at the prospect of welcoming one of the world’s best classical pianists to Tyalgum for this year’s landmark 21st anniversary festival,’ said festival organiser Alexsandra Deen-Wilkinson. ‘Bringing world-class musicians like Avan to the Tweed is exactly what our event is all about. He will be following in the footsteps of people like Roger Woodward, Russian pianist Tatiana Kolosova and various soloists from the London Symphony Orchestra who have performed at previous festivals in Tyalgum.
‘Not only do these international artists inspire our local young musicians and give Tweed music-lovers a chance to experience concerts that they would not otherwise get to see; it also attracts visitors to the region from further afield, bringing the economic benefits of tourism and return visitation.’
Though there are myriad great activities over the weekend, it’s the music that will be the star attraction. Following Avan Yu’s opening night performance on Friday, the main Tyalgum Hall program will feature the Young Virtuosi Concert on Saturday morning, the medieval and contemporary folk music of Pastance and traditional classics performed by The Lunaire Collective on Saturday afternoon, and renowned Australian virtuosos David Pereira (cello) and Timothy Young (piano) on Saturday night. Pereira and Young’s concert will also include a fashion segment (with cello accompaniment) showcasing the work of local Murwillumbah designer, Chandra Ellis.
Sunday’s program will include the Queensland Conservatorium Brass Band and the grand finale starring the Camerata of St John’s led by charismatic violinist, Brendan Joyce and featuring the world premiere of David Pereira’s new work Tyalgum Solace.
In line with the festival’s theme of ‘Music, Art and Nature in Australia’s Green Cauldron’, supporting events will include the Caldera Art Exhibition and an artist-in-residence program; the Bright Sparks Music Program for young local musicians; guided nature walks; and, on Sunday, the Essential Energy Community Spring Fair and Music Carnivale – a free family day of music, arts and crafts held at the Tyalgum School.
For more information about the festival visit www.tyalgumfestival.com.au or phone 02 6679 2244.
