Student concert series raises the bar for guitar

Photo by Randy Larcombe
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Elder Conservatorium music students (from left): Jason Williams, Jody Fisher and Ben Brakenridge
Photo by Josie Withers
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Elder Conservatorium music students (from left): Ben Brakenridge, Jason Williams and Jody Fisher
Photo by Josie Withers
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Friday, 11 May 2007

A new breed of South Australian musical talent from the University of Adelaide's Elder Conservatorium of Music will perform in May as a part of the recently established Guitarissimo concert series for guitar players.

In the transition from the classroom to the concert stage in the Guitarissimo series, the students are being mentored by the Event Director, internationally acclaimed German guitarist Oliver Fartach-Naini.

Following successful concerts in July and November last year, the May concert will showcase the talents of Elder Conservatorium musicians Jody Fisher, Ben Brakenridge, Jason Williams and Kirsty Forbes (clarinet) alongside guests Andrey Lebedev (guitar), Laura Pierce (flute) and the Marryatville Guitar Ensemble.

Proceeds from the concert will assist Elder Conservatorium of Music students to attend the Darwin International Guitar Festival in July this year.

The concert program promises an exciting mixture of solo and chamber music with popular tunes as well as surprise gems.

The first half of the concert (solo guitar) will feature the rare complete performance of all 12 studies by Heitor Villa-Lobos. The second half of the concert (chamber music) will be focused around tango music and includes the famous Suite Buenos Aires by Tango composer Maximo Diego Pujol for flute and guitar, Astor Piazzolla's Verano Porteño in an arrangement for guitar ensemble, and Klezmer for clarinet and guitar, as well as others.

"For guitar players, the Guitarissimo series has been a fantastic opportunity to perform and reach new audiences," says Elder Conservatorium guitar student Jody Fisher.

"Oliver Fartach-Naini's ability to create new opportunities for students and facilitate visits by international guitarists to Adelaide, along with his involvement in Sydney and Perth music schools, is changing the future of guitar in Australia and allowing young artists to shine."

Oliver Fartach-Naini was a student of Laurie Randolph at the University of Arts Berlin, the Academy of Music and Theatre Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy in Leipzig, and has participated in many international masterclasses.

Today, in addition to lecturing at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Mr Fartach-Naini performs extensively not only as a soloist but in various chamber music formats.

WHAT: Guitarissimo
WHERE: Pilgrim Church, 12 Flinders Street, Adelaide
WHEN: 6.30pm Monday 28 May
COST: Tickets $15 adult/$10 concession at the door or from all BASS outlets: BASS dial'n'charge 131 246 and online at www.bass.net.au

The Elder Conservatorium of Music is a Helpmann Academy partner school.

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