Pekka Kuusisto & Simon Crawford-Phillips

Pekka Kuusisto’s intensity, enthusiasm and virtuosity have stunned audiences around the world. Simon Crawford-Phillips, pianist of the Kungsbacka Piano Trio, has become one of the most eagerly sought musical partners in Europe. Touring nationally 23 June - 5 July, 2008.

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Goldner String Quartet & Steven Osborne

Musica Viva’s year opens with the dynamic musical partnership of the Goldner String Quartet and acclaimed Scottish pianist Steven Osborne. The Quartet’s past collaborations have always been highlights of our concert seasons and Steven’s previous appearances in Australia were critical and audience successes. Touring nationally 26 February - 8 March, 2008.

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Barker, Coleman-Wright & Lane

Cheryl Barker and Peter Coleman-Wright have stellar operatic careers spanning the globe. This tour is another much-treasured opportunity for them to reunite with celebrated pianist and long-time family friend Piers Lane in a program of solos and duets from the great Austro-German Romantic lieder repertoire. Touring nationally 21 May - 5 June, 2008.

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Takacs Quartet

The Takács Quartet’s connection with Musica Viva now spans three decades, with each tour garnering more acclaim than the one before. As our audiences have long suspected, this tour finds them hailed at last as ‘the greatest string quartet in the world’. Touring nationally 31 July - 8 August, 2008.

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Eggner Trio

The Eggner Trio’s first Musica Viva tour was followed by acclaimed performances in the ‘Rising Stars’ concert hall circuit throughout Europe. These suave Austrian brothers, who combine individual virtuosity with impassioned ensemble playing, won many admirers on that tour and were immediately invited to return in 2008. Touring nationally 16 - 27 September, 2008.

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Jerusalem Quartet

In the third year of its ground-breaking residency with Musica Viva, the Jerusalem Quartet performs a powerful program featuring Richard Mills’ new string quartet, commissioned especially for this tour by Musica Viva, an intense musical journey with a wild and virtuosic finale. Touring nationally 9 - 20 October, 2008.

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Hespèrion XXI

Jordi Savall’s Hesperion XXI has been at the forefront of period performance for more than thirty years. The group searches continuously for a dynamic synthesis between musical expression, stylistic and historical research and creative imagination. This scintillating reconstruction of the rich exuberance of music from other ages has breathed new life into current musical thought, and endlessly delights the group’s countless followers around the globe. Touring nationally 13 - 25 November, 2008.

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Piers Lane (Newcastle only)

Much-loved pianist Piers Lane returns to Newcastle following his superb collaboration with the Australian String Quartet last year. Piers grew up in Brisbane before embarking on a distinguished international career that has taken him to more than forty countries. Piers’ program is a masterful collection of works from four of the greatest Romantic pianist-composers. Newcastle 3 June, 2008.

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Sydney Chamber Choir with The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir (Newcastle only)

Sydney Chamber Choir is a leading force in Australian choral music, known equally for its acclaimed performances of Renaissance and Baroque music and its adventurous support for new Australian works. Joining it in this celebratory concert is The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir, inaugural ABC Classic FM Choir of the Year Adult Choir winner in 2006. Newcastle 30 August, 2008.

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Pavel Haas Quartet (Newcastle only)

Named as one of the 10 Brightest New Stars in 2007 by BBC Music Magazine, the Pavel Haas Quartet came to international prominence when it won the 2005 Premio Paolo Borciani competition. Concerts in major venues and festivals around the world and an acclaimed debut recording have cemented the Quartet’s reputation as one of the most exciting young quartets performing today. Newcastle 20 November, 2008.

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