ABOUT THE 2008 MUSICA VIVA FESTIVAL

Presenting more than 50 events over five days across four venues, the inaugural 2008 Musica Viva Festival, assembled by Musica Viva’s Artistic Director Carl Vine, inspired and delighted audiences with some of the world’s finest musicians, performing alongside a selection of Australia’s top musical talent.

It was the first comprehensive Chamber Music Festival for Sydney, and it was clear that music lovers welcomed it with passion.From all at Musica Viva, a sincere thanks to everyone involved – from artists, donors and sponsors, to volunteers, staff and our valued audience members – for making the Festival such an uplifting and stimulating event. From Angela Hewitt’s memorable rendition of the ‘glorious 48’ Bach Preludes and Fugues, to the Eggner Trio’s energetic performances at the City Recital Hall, lunchtime lyrical magic from The Idea of North, and the stimulating masterclasses and family fun concerts, it was an exceptionally rich and rewarding five days.

It was wonderful to see audience members give a standing ovation for Angela Hewitt and to feel the momentum build for the Eggner Trio brothers, who developed an almost ‘rock star’ status over the weekend. Not to mention the positive reaction to the other ‘young virtuosi’ the Jerusalem Quartet, and the impressive line-up of Australian talent including Ian Munro and Bernadette Balkus, the Australian String Quartet, Sara MacIiver, Sally-Anne Russell, Andrew Goodwin, Jason Noble, Dimity Hall, Julian Smiles and Michael Kieran Harvey.

Just before each ‘Premier’ concert many attended the complimentary ‘In Conversations’, entertaining introductions to the musicians and their music. Children clapped and tapped at the Family Concerts, relishing the opportunity to engage with highly-trained ensembles from Musica Viva’s award-winning ‘In Schools’ education program. Those attending Masterclasses from the Australian Youth Orchestra Chamber Music Camp invariably commented on how captivating and interesting it was to watch celebrities such as Angela Hewitt and the Juilliard String Quartet engage with these impressive young Australian musicians. Finishing off each Festival day were the Late Night Concerts, celebrating music from around the world in an informal club atmosphere. Many of the artists in this program have appeared in Musica Viva’s ‘Café Carnivale’ program, so if you enjoyed these, take a look at the ‘Café Carnivale’ program.

Carl Vine, Artistic Director of Musica Viva and the Festival, comments: “We aimed, with our first festival in Sydney, to saturate the city with chamber music in all the forms at which Musica Viva excels. We aimed for a festival comprehensive enough to leave few stones unturned and at least a few supporters out of breath. We set substantial challenges for ourselves to meet in the future, not least of which will be making each coming festival better than its predecessor. We’ve already started collating feedback from all of this year‘s participants and look forward eagerly to incorporating the remaining responses from our audiences and supporters.

Register here to receive our Festival e-news, which will keep you up to date with the latest Festival news.

Dates for the next Festival are to be confirmed.