Classical music festival at Pearl Beach

The 20th Pearl Beach Music Festival will be held over the June long weekend on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, at the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall.

The inaugural Pearl Classical Music Festival was held over the June long weekend in 1994 and seen at the time to be quite an ambitious venture for the Pearl Beach Progress Association.

From the beginning, the objective has been to harmonise fine music with the cultural life of Pearl Beach and its environment.

Since 1994 the festival has played host to many performers and young artists.

"The earliest players, Charmian Gadd and Friends, Sydney Brass Quintet, Sydney Wind Quintet and the Pergolesi Players set a high standard of performance for all following to emulate," said festival coordinator Ms Lynne Lillico.

"Many have returned and all comment that the Memorial Hall is an ideal venue with its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics," she said.

Pearl Beach Progress Association president Mr Roger Murray said the festival was a huge and consistent commitment by the Pearl Beach Community to the arts.

"The Festival also continues to be an occasion that brings our community together to enjoy great music."

Tickets are now only available for the Saturday and Sunday afternoon concerts commencing at 2:30pm.

Saturday afternoon will see a performance by The Sydney Omega Ensemble (Trio), which was established in 2005 by artistic director David Rowden when he and other young musicians sought to redefine Sydney's classical chamber music landscape.

David Pereira will return on Sunday afternoon to enthral audiences with his cello playing, accompanied by Tamara Anna Cislowska, a concert pianist and chamber musician.

The two evening performances are sold-out.

Saturday evening will see the Slava and Leonard Grigoryan guitar duo while Sunday evening will see renowned musician Simon Tedeschi with award winning jazz pianist Kevin Hunt.

"This year we are delighted to be able to present a particularly exciting program featuring internationally renowned musicians," said Ms Lillico.

Proceeds from the weekend will be used to maintain the upkeep of the Memorial Hall.

Media Release, 21 May 2013

Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association