Musica Viva Festival 2017
The 2017 Musica Viva Festival brings a four-day celebration of chamber music, family events, food and wine, where the world’s great performers rub shoulders with rising stars, composers and fans.
Returning to the Sydney Conservatorium from 20-23 April, 2017, it offers an impressive guest list topped by legendary violinist Pinchas Zukerman, pianist Lambert Orkis and Australian saxophonist Amy Dickson. Packages and individual tickets are available to suit every schedule, with a dedicated Festival Hub offering great food and a chance to mingle all weekend long. There’s plenty for young music lovers too, including a free Family Fun Day on 21 April from 11am to 3pm and the first Musica Viva Kids Holiday Program from 19-21 April, although the scheduled Family Concert has already sold out.
Pinchas Zukerman heads the line-up in 2017 with the Zukerman Trio, featuring JUNO Award-winning cellist Amanda Forsyth, and long-time concert partner, pianist Angela Cheng. The three musicians will perform together as an ensemble as well as separately in all six main-stage concerts. Their programme includes Dvořák’s ‘Dumky’ Trio and Beethoven’s ‘Archduke’ Trio.
American pianist Lambert Orkis is back by popular demand. He rose to prominence as the preferred recital partner of Mstislav Rostropovich and Anne-Sophie Mutter. He was recently awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit by the Federal Republic of Germany in recognition of his achievements.
ABC Young Performers Award winner and saxophone virtuoso Amy Dickson performs a range of repertoire, notably the world premiere of a string quartet for saxophone and string quartet by Australian composer Ross Edwards.
The UK-based Elias Quartet who have performed regularly for Music Viva, make their first festival appearance in 2017, performing alongside Australia’s Goldner String Quartet. The two ensembles unite in the final concert for the world premiere of a string octet by Adelaide composer Jakub Jankowski.
Performing at the festival are Arcadia Winds who were inaugural participants in Musica Viva’s FutureMakers programme. The Arcadians appeared as students with the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Chamber Players at the 2015 Festival and return as performers in their own right. Once again, as part of the AYO Chamber Players programme, 34 outstanding musicians will be mentored by visiting artists and will perform in public concerts.
Other popular festival guests include Amir Farid (piano), Kees Boersma (double bass), Kerry Martin (violin), Marianne Broadfoot (violin), Timothy Constable (percussion), Jacqui Cronin (viola), Nicole Forsyth (viola) and Rowena Macneish (cello).
Along with familiar masterpieces, world premieres and little-known gems, music lovers will be treated to demonstrations by some of Musica Viva’s finest ‘In Schools’ ensembles, a masterclass with Pinchas Zukerman, the ever popular In Conversation series with Carl Vine and much more, making the 2017 Musica Viva Festival an event to remember.
To book a Festival Package or secure seats for the concerts of your choice, please www.musicaviva.com.au/Festival.
