As the countdown to the opening of the Armadale Arts Festival ticks on, the Classic Sounds Orchestra has been industriously working on three different projects for the event.
During the opening weekend, the Corymbia Strings will showcase the refinement of intimate classical music with two recitals, 2pm and 7pm, on Saturday 4 May, at the Minnawarra Chapel in Armadale.
Audiences can expect to “melt into the music” as the orchestra, alongside guest artist Jo Bennett on the clarinet, bring to life Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet, Molly on the Shore by Percy Grainger, Stephan Koncz’s unique energetic arrangement of Waltzing Matilda, and an original composition by local composer David McManus, entitled Song for Laurence.
More information and ticketing is at trybooking.com/COPHL
Just two days later, a full orchestra of strings, woodwind, brass and percussion will fill Armadale District Hall with saintly sounds.
On Monday 6 May, from 7-8:30pm, this Bedfordale-based Classic Sounds Orchestra, will brighten your week with “A Little Night Music”.
This event will not only demonstrate the prowess of 35 great local musicians, but showcase classic ensemble pieces by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Dvorak, JS Bach, Sibelius and Mendelssohn.
The orchestra will also feature some well-known theme songs such as 2001 Space Odyssey, and Olympic Games theme by Copland, Fanfare of a Common Man.
Ideal for families, audiences will be delighted with anecdotes, and as much music as the orchestra can fit in before bedtime. trybooking.com/COPHM
During the festival’s closing weekend, Armadale will be home to the event of the year as 2024 Festival headliner Wayne Perry takes to the stage for, ‘An Evening of John Denver’.
The concert will be a collaboration with banjo legend Ian Simpson, and supported by string arrangements by Rachel John.
The Classic Sounds Strings will complement Wayne Perry’s immaculate renditions with complete orchestral versions of John Denver’s classics.
This is an absolute must-see for lovers of great music, right on our doorstep at the Armadale District Hall, on Saturday 18 May, from 7:30pm.
events.humanitix.com/an-evening-of-john-denver
The orchestra’s musical director, Rachel John, said the orchestra has never been stronger.
“The Classic Sounds Orchestra personifies ordinary people, doing extraordinary things. These will be the CSO’s most impressive concerts ever and I’m proud that the festival coincides with us celebrating eighteen years of great local music,” she said.
