Classical Movements will present four exciting performances by the world-renowned St. Olaf College Concert Band of Northfield, Minnesota- hailed as "one of America's preeminent bands," by The New Yorker-during their first-ever concert tour to Australia.
Led by their conductor, acclaimed composer and St. Olaf alumnus Dr. Timothy Mahr, the 94-member ensemble's 17-day journey marks its debut in both Australasian countries, after more than a century of international touring.
The St. Olaf Band's expertly curated program of American and Australian music, dubbed FLOURISH, celebrates Leonard Bernstein's centennial, the film scores of John Williams, Melbourne's own Percy Grainger, New South Wales native Jodie Blackshaw, as well as classic works from the wind band repertoire.
On this historic tour, the 126-year-old ensemble will be joined on stage by three local collaborators: Royal Australian Navy Band (Melbourne); Canberra Wind Symphony (Canberra); West City Youth Concert Band (Auckland). All ticket proceeds from St. Olaf's two joint concerts with the RAN Band Melbourne will be donated to Legacy, a charity providing services to Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defense force service.
According to band manager Terra Widdifield: "Founded back in 1891, the St. Olaf Band is noted for its superb musicianship, performing the classics and very best transcriptions for symphonic band in an exciting, crowd-pleasing style. In New Zealand and Australia, we're really looking forward to featuring our student soloists, and a good march, along with Dr. Mahr's award-winning composition, The Soaring Hawk."
Melbourne - Dandenong
The Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street
Tuesday 23 January 7:30pm
$10 - $20 (plus booking fee)
Bookings: www.drumtheatre.com.au or call (03) 8571 1666
Host: Royal Australian Navy Band of Melbourne
Melbourne - Frankston
Frankston Performing Arts Centre, 27-37 J*Davey Street
Wednesday 24 January, 7:30pm
$20 / $10 concession / $20 family of 2 adults & 2 children (+ booking fee)
Bookings: artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9784 1060
Host: Royal Australian Navy Band of Melbourne
Canberra
ANU, Llewellyn Hall, Building 100, William Herbert Place
Friday 26 January at 2.30pm
Tickets: FREE, with Eventbrite reservation (Gold Coin Concert)
www.eventbrite.com/e/free-concert-st-olaf-band-debuts-at-llewellyn-hall-26-1-18-tickets-41060682607
Charity: Indigenous Reading Project
Sydney
Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Verbrugghen Hall,
1 Conservatorium Rd
Sunday, 28 January, 4:00pm
Tickets: FREE, with Eventbrite reservation
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