2022 Season Archive

A new series of music performances to be held monthly at McClelland.

Curated by Monica Curro, violinist MSO and Co-Artistic Director Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, the monthly Sunday at McClelland will be a great way to enjoy an afternoon of art and music.

McClelland director, Lisa Byrne, says, “Come and experience great music with art in our perfect bushland setting. It is wonderful to be able to support musicians as well as artists with these performance opportunities and to offer our community experiences that promote social connectivity and positive well-being.

“What better way to spend an afternoon than with friends in our beautiful setting listening to a live performance by some of the best musicians in the country. Maybe even share a grazing plate, a glass of wine, and take some time to appreciate our Sculpture Park and Gallery.

“From the Michelle Nicolle Quartet to the Stiletto Sisters we will be presenting a fantastic array of musicians,” Ms Byrne said.

Curator, Monica Curro, says, “I am thrilled to be working with McClelland in its 50^th year to bring a smorgasbord of musical events into the artistic fold of this unique Australian cultural asset. Through its cross-disciplinary artistic collaborations, McClelland ensures the continuing nourishment and vibrancy of its community.”

“Award winning musicians performing in the intimate Sarah & Baillieu Myer Education Pavilion at McClelland while looking out onto the glorious bushland surrounds of McClelland will transport audiences to new realms,” said Curro.

Music at McClelland is generously supported by Igor Zambelli, Stephen Charles AO KC, Chris and John Collingwood.

Brunswick’s very own Michelle Nicolle is to bringing her award winning ensemble back to the Jazzlab. Recipients of the 2017 Bell Australian Jazz Award for Vocal Album of the Year the Michelle Nicolle Quartet is critically acclaimed as one of Australia’s finest jazz ensembles.

“..all the band had to do was set up a golden glow of warmth, soft groove and space and Nicole was soaring to places you will be taken by few singers. In the world, I mean.” John Shand The Australian

Together for almost twenty years, Michelle and her quartet are a rarity in today’s jazz groups. An ensemble with a total contemporary and forward thinking approach, whilst at the same time steeped in the tradition of jazz, storytelling and the magic of the live performance.

The Michelle Nicholle Quartet performance was postponed to 2023 due to Covid-19

Eliza is known as ‘fiery’ on stage, and captures the audience’s attention throughout her performances. With over twenty years experience on stage, Eliza is a confident and established performer in a wide range of styles. Her recitals are award-winning, and draw from Eliza’s many years in dance and theatre. She has performed in festivals, recital series and touring productions.

The Partridge String Quartet was formed at the Australian National Academy of Music in 2017. They have recieved national recognition as first prize winners of the inaugural 2019 Queensland International Chamber Music Competition, 2018 ANAM Chamber Music Competition and were the recipient of the Musica Viva Chamber Music Prize (2017). As engaging and dynamic artists, the quartet strives to connect with their audiences through their fresh and creative performances. They have collaborated with widely recognized Australian artists and are engaged in festivals, concert series and projects around Australia which have been featured on the Violin Channel as well as Cutcommon and Limelight magazines.

The dynamic amplified solo violin show VOLUME has amazed Melbourne audiences for over a decade showcasing Australia's finest music making talent all conveniently brought to you in one solo-violin-powered show. Pop artist writing classical style, classical composers breaking out the effects pedals – all rules are broken within the VOLUME experience.

Evergreen Ensemble bridges the gap between folk music and baroque music. Known for their virtuosic programs bringing together the best of Australia's early music talent and folk icons, they weave stories back through time, rediscovering the sounds of folk melodies performed on period instruments.

Comprised of violist Katie Yap, violinist Natalia Harvey, and cellist Anna Pokorny, the Baroque string trio was founded with the goal of bringing together diverse audiences to reflect on climate change and our shared Australian landscape through music. Performing repertoire that ranges from the middle ages to the high Baroque, and also dipping into folk music and contemporary Australian works, the Wattleseed Ensemble demonstrates just how versatile period instruments can be.

The Stiletto Sisters are a dynamic and vibrant trio featuring Hope Csutoros on violin, Judy Gunson on piano accordion and vocals, and double-bassist Jo To. The Stiletto Sisters perform regularly to packed houses in their home town of Melbourne.