murray river international music

21 January - 3 February 2013

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WELCOMEThe Murray River International Music Festival began in 2003 and this year features outstanding international Australian and Italian musicians performing along the Murray River, combining music and the river with regional food and wine.

Artistic Director Sergio de Pieri, Artsmildura Executive Director Paul Lambeth, and the MRIMF Committee invite you to join us as we celebrate our 10th birthday by presenting a special and larger programme of beautiful music in beautiful locations.

On opening night, three celebrated international musicians will perform in the heavenly Ampelon Gardens.

Festival package over 20% savingEntry to all eight Mildura region concerts (DOES NOT INCLUDE FOOD EVENTS AND MASTERCLASSES)$150 (full price $198)Book: Artsmildura 03 5022 9542 Pensioner & Student Discount $5 off each concert (not applicable to Festival Package)ID to be provided at the entranceChildren under 12 free (DOES NOT INCLUDE MASTERCLASSES)

Visitor informationFreecall 1800 039 043 or visit www.visitmildura.com.au

Tickets > book online nowwww.artsmildura.com.au

Mildura Arts Centre 03 5018 8330Mildura Visitor Information Centre 1800 039 043

Concert Music Programmes $2.00Available from Artsmildura Office 41 Deakin Avenue Mildura, 03 5022 9542

Beautiful music in beautiful locations

Opening night in the heavenly gardensClaudia Lopez (violin), Gianfranco Bortolato (oboe), and Michele Benuzzi (harpsichord) form a scintillating trio for the Opening Night at Ampelon Gardens. Enjoy a picnic in the tranquil shade of the heavenly gardens while being transported by three virtuoso musicians playing a baroque repertoire.

TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 20138.00 - 10.00 PM Ampelon GardensCnr. Pitman Ave & North Road Gol Gol, NSWWet weather venue: Magenta Woolshed, Inland Botanical Gardens. See website for further details.Tickets $30 Children under 12 freeBYO chair, picnic and drinks

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The New Mildura Arts CentreInternational musicians, a brand new theatre, and a new Steinway piano come together for the first time at the Mildura Arts Centre offering Mildura two exceptional ‘not-to-be-missed’ concerts during the Murray River International Music Festival.

Violinist Miwako Abe and pianist Anthony Halliday will perform a spectacular duo concert on Thursday the 24th. Miwako Abe started playing the violin at age five and has since been performing in countries all over the world, including Japan, England, and Australia. Anthony Halliday is also an international performer and the recipient of many awards including a Churchill Fellowship, all the Fellowship prizes at the Royal College of Organists, and was the Commonwealth winner of the ABC Concerto Competition.

Luigi Fracasso will join us at the Mildura Arts Centre on Australia Day for an evening of piano works by Mozart, Beethoven, Casella and others. Luigi has performed regularly as a soloist throughout Italy, Europe and the world, and has also collaborated extensively with orchestras as a soloist.

Artsmildura in partnership with Mildura Arts Centre are thrilled to host these concerts in this new performing arts space.

Concert in Wentworth Town HallThe Wentworth Town Hall, Wentworth Arts, and Artsmildura are proud to present Luca Magni and Simone Valeri, who usually play as a flute and piano or organ combination. At Wentworth they will be playing for one time only as a flute and harpsichord duo. The air-conditioned Wentworth Town Hall will lend

clear, resonant acoustic properties to make for what will be a unique concert.

Before or after the concert, the audience is invited to make a reservation for dinner and/or supper at the Artback Gallery and Cafe, in Adelaide Street, within easy walking distance of the Wentworth Town Hall.

Luca Magni is always well received by both critics and the public alike. He has played widely as a soloist and in duos and has dedicated himself to the development of Tuscan cultural heritage through the combination of music and literature.

Simone Valeri performed in the first National Competition for Liturgical Organists in Prato, Italy. Along with all of his other outstanding musical accomplishments, Simone Valeri also collaborates with the Publishing House Eurarte with whom he has released a CD of Sacred Arias.

Midsummer night’s picnicBring a chair and a picnic and relax under the stars with virtuoso Italian musicians Claudia Lopez (violin), Gianfranco Bortolato (oboe), Michele Benuzzi (harpsichord), Mirko Satto (bandoneon), Alberto Mesirca (guitar)

This year the programme has been extended from one hour to two, with the highly accomplished trio of Lopez, Bortolato, and Benuzzi performing a different programme - unique to this event - of exquisite baroque music before a brief interval and the equally masterly duo of Satto and Mesirca completing the evening with a Latin-style repertoire that will leave you wanting to tango all the way home.

FRIDAY 25 JANUARY7:30PM for 8.00-9.00PM Claudia Lopez, Gianfranco Bortolato, Michele Benuzzi9.15-10.15PM Mirko Satto, Alberto Mesirca Mildura Homestead Lawns Woolshed-endCureton Ave, MilduraTickets $25Children under 12 freeWet weather venue: Mildura Arts Centre Theatre

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FRIDAY 25 JANUARYOld Mildura Homestead Picnic 7.30PM for 8.00 - 9.00PM Claudia Lopez (violin), Gianfranco Bortolato (oboe), Michele Benuzzi (harpsichord) 9.15 - 10.15PM Mirko Satto (bandoneon), Alberto Mesirca (guitar)Cureton Avenue Mildura, VICTickets $25Wet weather venue: Mildura Arts Centre Theatre, Mildura, VIC. See website for further details

SATURDAY 26 JANUARYAustralia Day Lunch and/or ConcertLuca Magni (flute), Simone Valeri (piano)Quality Resort Inlander Mildura373 Deakin Avenue Mildura, VIC12.00 - 3.00PM Tickets $58 Lunch and Concert Bookings essential: 03 5023 38232.00 - 3.00PM Concert only $23

SATURDAY 26 JANUARYLuigi Fracasso (piano)Mildura Arts Centre Theatre199 Cureton Avenue Mildura, VIC7.30PM for 8.00 - 9.00PM Tickets $25

TUESDAY 22 JANUARYOpening Night Claudia Lopez (violin), Gianfranco Bortolato (oboe), Michele Benuzzi (harpsichord)Ampelon Gardens, Cnr. Pitman Avenue & North Road Gol Gol, NSW8.00 - 10.00PM Tickets $30Wet weather venue: Magenta Woolshed, Inland Botanical Gardens. See website for further details

WEDNESDAY 23 JANUARYLuca Magni (flute), Simone Valeri (harpsichord)Wentworth Town HallCnr. Short Street & Adelaide StreetWentworth NSW7.30PM for 8.00 - 9.00PM Tickets $25The Artback Gallery and Café is available for dinner before and after the concert. Bookings essential: 03 5027 2298

THURSDAY 24 JANUARYMiwako Abe (violin), Anthony Halliday (piano)Mildura Arts Centre Theatre199 Cureton Avenue Mildura, VIC7.30PM for 8.00 - 9.00PM Tickets $25

SUNDAY 27 JANUARYMasterclasses An opportunity for tuition with professional musicians Alberto Mesirca (guitar), Luca Magni (flute), Luigi Fracasso (piano), Claudia Lopez (violin) Mildura Arts Centre199 Cureton Avenue Mildura, VIC10.00AM - 12.00PM Tuition $20Classes will run according to demand For updates visit: www.milduraartscentre.com.au

SUNDAY 27 JANUARYMirko Satto (bandoneon), Alberto Mesirca (guitar)The Art Vault43 Deakin Avenue Mildura, VIC2.00 - 3.00PM Tickets $25

SUNDAY 27 JANUARYLuca Magni (flute), Simone Valeri (pipe organ)St. Margaret’s Anglican ChurchDeakin Avenue Mildura, VIC7.30PM for 8.00 - 9.00PM Tickets $20

Programme Mildura Region Programme Outer Mildura RegionsMONDAY 21 JANUARYOUYENClaudia Lopez (violin), Gianfranco Bortolato (oboe), Michele Benuzzi (harpsichord)Roxy TheatreOke Street Ouyen, VIC7.30PM for 8.00 - 9.00PM Tickets $25Bookings: 03 5091 0400

WEDNESDAY 23 JANUARYRENMARKLuigi Fracasso (piano)Chaffey Theatre17th Street Renmark, SA7.00PM for 7.30 - 8.30PM Tickets $20Bookings: 08 8586 1800

THURSDAY 24 JANUARYBROKEN HILLLuca Magni (flute), Simone Valeri (piano)Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery404-408 Argent Street Broken Hill, NSW7.00 for 7.30 - 8.30PM Tickets $20Bookings: 08 8087 9035

CENTRAL STANDARD TIMEPlease note that Renmark and Broken Hill times are half an hour earlier than Eastern Standard Time.

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THURSDAY 31 JANUARYBALRANALDMirko Satto (bandoneon), Alberto Mesirca (guitar)Theatre RoyalMarket Street Balranald, NSW7.30PM for 8.00 - 9.00PM Tickets $35Includes supper from 9.00-10.00PMBookings: Balranald Visitor Information Centre 03 5020 1599

FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARYSWAN HILLMirko Satto (bandoneon), Alberto Mesirca (guitar)Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery VIC6.00PM for 6.30 - 7.30PMConcert: $35 general, $32 membersConcert & Dinner: $80 general, $77 membersDinner after the concert at Spoons Riverside RestaurantHorseshoe Bend Swan Hill, VICBookings: 03 5036 2430

SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARYCOHUNAMirko Satto (bandoneon), Alberto Mesirca (guitar)Cohuna Memorial HallKing Edward Street Cohuna, VIC7.30PM for 8.00 - 9.00PM Concert Tickets $259.00 - 10.00PM Supper $20Bookings: is.lodge@bigpond.com or 03 5456 2047

SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARYECHUCAMirko Satto (bandoneon), Alberto Mesirca (guitar)Oscar W’s Wharfside Redgum Grill and Deck Bar101 Murray Esplanade Echuca VIC11.00 - 12.00PM Concert12.00 - 1.00PM Sparkling wine and canapés Tickets: $30Bookings: 03 5482 5133Lunch may be booked separately

SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARYSHEPPARTONMirko Satto (bandoneon), Alberto Mesirca (guitar)The ConnectionMooroopna-Shepparton CausewayShepparton, VIC12.00 - 2.30PM Italian Lunch2.30 - 3.30PM ConcertTickets: $40 all inclusiveBookings: food@bigpond.com.au or 03 5821 0600

Programme Other Murray River Regions

Miwako Abe started playing the violin at the age of five. After her study at the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo, she became a prize-winning graduate of the Guildhall School of Music in London. Miwako completed her studies at the Salzburg Mozarteum, where she became assistant to the celebrated violinist-conductor Sandor Végh. Since coming to Australia in 1982, Miwako has performed with major orchestras and ensembles, among them the Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras. As a member of the Austral Trio, Miwako took part in numerous tours sponsored by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, and Musica Viva, both within Australia and overseas.

Michele Benuzzi studied the harpsichord at the Royal College of Music in London, and musicology at the University of Pavia in Lombardy. In 2003 he won third prize at the Yamanashi International Harpsichord Competition in Japan. Michele has promoted and played the opera omnia of Domenico Scarlatti’s sonatas, which he performed from 1995 to 2002 in France. He founded Arcomelo, a group

performing seventeenth- and eighteenth-century music, and examining it - especially problems concerning execution on ancient instruments. His solo recordings are acclaimed internationally, and recently he signed a contract with “Brilliant Classics” to record with Arcomelo the complete C.P.E. Bach concerti for harpsichord and orchestra in 18 CDs.

Gianfranco Bortolato commenced his studies in Venice at the conservatorium “B. Marcello”, and received a diploma with honours when he graduated. Since 1986 he has developed his abilities with many internationally-renowned artists. In 2001 he was invited to be a member of the jury of the International Double Reed Society’s competition for bassoon and oboe. One year later, he participated at the 1°Festival de Musica y Musicologia in Ensenada (Mexico) to great acclaim. Gianfranco, together with his pianist, has recorded works by Verdi, Saint Saens, Poulenc, Milhaud, Ponchielli, Beethoven, and Schumann for several national and international radio stations. He is currently Solo-Oboe of the Orchestra del Teatro dell’Opera in Rome.

Luigi Fracasso is recognised as one of the most important pianists of his native region of Puglia. He completed his diploma at the Lecce Conservatorium of Music, where he received the highest possible mark for piano. He went on to study with many maestri and in particular, in Rome with Marcella Crudeli. He has been recipient of a number of awards from international piano competitions. Italian-French pianist Aldo Ciccolini wrote, “Luigi Fracasso is a true musician, extremely experienced, with healthy ideas on our art and a good understanding of the piano.” Luigi regularly performs both in Italy and overseas, and has collaborated as a soloist with orchestras world-over.

Anthony Halliday has given numerous piano and organ recitals and concerto performances throughout Europe and Australasia including major concerts at Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Cologne Cathedral, St. Peter’s Basilica Rome, Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Concert Hall. The eminent conductor Walter Süsskind hailed Anthony’s concerto playing as “magnificent”. He has received many awards and prizes including all

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other 2013 artsmildura festivals Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival 1-17 MarchMildura Writers’ Festival 11-14 JulyMildura Palimpsest 4-7 OctoberMildura Jazz Food & Wine Festival 1-5 November

acknowledgementsExecutive Director Paul LambethArtistic Director Sergio de PieriAssistant Artistic Director Domenico de PieriFestival Chair Geoffrey BrownFestival Management Danielle HanifinFestival Marketing Jess Roelofs

committeePauline Ashleigh-Marum, Geoffrey Brown, Tennille Chalmers, Domenico de Pieri, Sergio de Pieri, Karen Doyle, Meryl Hale, Cynthia Keenan, Alison MacGregor, Ron Povey, Philip Shugg

patronsDomenico de PieriJan & Keith RichardsSunraysia Murray Group TrainingFlinders UniversityBacchus Marsh Rotary ClubHelen Healy

Thanks to the Mills Family of Ampelon Gardens for the location of the opening night.

cancellationsIn case of extreme weather conditions, the organisers may cancel or change the location of outdoor performances. For details please phone ticketing agents or visit the web site.

Program details are correct at time of printing but are subject to change where necessary and without notice.

refundsArtsmildura regrets that it is not possible to refund or exchange on completed bookings unless the event is cancelled.

the Fellowship Awards at the Royal College of Organists (London) and the first prize of the ABC Commonwealth Concerto Competition, playing Bartok’s second piano concerto. His organ CD includes works by Bach, Widor, and Saint-Saëns. He has recorded the 32 sonatas for piano by Beethoven.

Claudia Lopez was born in Guatemala, and began her musical studies at a young age with her grandfather Manuel Gomez (first oboe at the symphony orchestra of Guatemala). She then carried on at the National Conservatory of Music in Guatemala, completing her bachelor studies in 1989. She has participated in various FOSJA festivals (Festival Orquestas Sinfonicas Juveniles America) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In 1991 she joined the violin section in the Balearic Symphony Orchestra and began her orchestral career. In 2005 Claudia transferred to Rome, where she now lives and freelances with various ensembles and orchestras.

Luca Magni obtained his diploma in flute at the musical institute “P. Mascagni” in Livorno in 1991. Since then he has played both as a

soloist and in a duo in Italy and abroad, always receiving great praise from critics and the public. Since 1996, together with Professor Carlo Lapucci, he has dedicated himself to the development of Tuscan cultural heritage by combining music with popular literature. Since 2003 he has worked with the composer Andrea Mati and made a CD edited by Tactus di Bologna. Currently, he is the Musicatemporis Association president and director and teacher of flute schools located in Pistoia, Florence and Pisa.

Alberto Mesirca is a guitarist and was born in Italy in 1984. He completed his Bachelor and Master of Arts at the Conservatory of Castelfranco Veneto with highest scores and honourable mentions. He also undertook further studies in Germany, again receiving highest marks. He has won many international prizes, and was nominated “Young Artist of the Year” at international guitar festivals in Denmark, Holland and Hungary, and “Rising Star” in Vienna in 2009. As soloist, he has played concerts all over Europe, and as a chamber musician he has collaborated with great artists like Dmitri Ashkenazy and Vladimir Mendelssohn.

Mirko Satto studied the accordion at the “A. Steffani” Academy of Music in Castelfranco Veneto. There he graduated with first class honours and distinction for which he received two scholarships as the top student at the Academy. Mirko has played throughout Europe, Australia and South America. He easily moves from baroque through to contemporary music; he is able to adapt many important musical works so that they are suitable for his instrument. As well as an intensive schedule as a concert soloist, Mirko has worked on important collaborations with chamber orchestras, always contributing towards programmes which raise the profile of music and of the accordion. Currently he teaches accordion in Castelfranco Veneto.

Simone Valeri obtained his diploma in organ and organ composition at the Music Conservatoire L. Cherubini in Florence. He is organist and choir director in the San Giovanni Church, Ponsacco. He has realized many compositions, such as a mass and various psalms and antiphons of the liturgical year. He has followed direction and choir concert courses in Orvieto and Perugia under the direction of highly respected musicians. He has also participated in the course on interpretation of J.S. Bach at the Academy for Italian Organ Music in Pistoia. He performed in the first National Competition for Liturgical Organists in Prato, after which he was awarded a certificate of liturgical organ from the National Ecclesiastical Authority in Italy.

volunteersWe thank the many volunteers that make this festival happen. If you are interested in volunteering please email: info@artsmildura.com.au

Program design by Saunders Design GroupProudly printed by Sunnyland Press

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