Classical musicians unite for extraordinary concerts in Montville

European-based soprano Alexandra Flood.

Four young classical performers with very established international careers are converging on Montville, on the Sunshine Coast, for what promises to be two extraordinary concerts this weekend.

The concerts, at the Lucas Parklands auditorium, will feature a range of captivating musical arrangements performed by European-based soprano Alexandra Flood, Sydney-based violinist Yena Choi, Brisbane-based master pianist Ruby Luck and multi-award winning Australian pianist Michael Ierace.

Ms Flood said she “felt goose bumps” from the very first moments of the first rehearsal with Mr Ierace, so she knows the concerts will be very special events.

“Two pianos, and a violinist, and a singer is quite random, so because of that we’re presenting quite a broad repertoire; it’s unusual to get so much variety in the one concert program, but I think that’s a really good thing about a more eclectic grouping of musicians,” Ms Flood said.

“As soon as I heard those first few bars of Michael on the piano, I was just put at ease; I just immediately knew the concert was going to be good… I even got goose bumps in the rehearsal from his playing, and that’s why we do it. 

“I’m really excited about this weekend and performing with three new young Aussies who I don’t know, but are all so talented, and that’s really exciting for me.”

Lucas Parklands has remained perhaps the only classical music venue in Australia that has continued pushing relentlessly to deliver amazing musical line-ups throughout the year, despite Covid-19, and this weekend will be no different.

“We have a classical German bracket; we have a French bracket, some Russian, solo piano, trios and possibly a quartet together – a piano duet plus voice and violin,” Mr Ierace explained about the weekend’s musical program.

Sydney violinist Yena Choi.

“It’s unusual, but I guess it could be compared to having the piano that acts as the orchestra and the violin as the Obbligato, and also the soprano.

“It’s nice to be performing. Obviously it’s been hard the last 18 months; it’s nice to have something that’s actually happening. We haven’t worked together before so that’s always nice, to share ideas and meet new people, and interact through music.”

The four will perform at Lucas Parklands from 3.00pm, on this Saturday September 25 and Sunday 26. For tickets, phone 07 54785667 or email: lucasparklands@bigpond.com

The Lucas Parklands auditorium has been described as among the best venues of its size in the world, providing audience members with an intimate close-up experience in acoustically brilliant surrounds, and set amongst natural bushland.

“It’s basically like a getaway. There’s not that many places you play where you step out the back door and you’re in literally a rainforest. It’s a great set up to have this auditorium, which is like a cross between a hall and a domestic music-making setting,” Mr Ierace said.

“A lot of the repertoire we’re doing was actually written for domestic music-making as opposed to concert hall settings; it’s an up close and personal concert so it’s really quite nice.”

For violinist Yena Choi, it’s a wonderful challenge.

“It’s a really interesting journey for me,” She said. “For example, there’s one piece of chamber music we’re performing where I’m playing the clarinet part, so that’s very interesting, and also working with a soprano is super; I’m learning so much.

“I love that I’m part of this program.”

The four will perform at Lucas Parklands from 3.00pm on this Saturday September 25 and Sunday 26. For tickets, phone 07 54785667 or email: lucasparklands@bigpond.com