Classical music at Pearl Beach

The 17th annual Pearl Beach Classical Music Festival will be held on the June long weekend, according to festival coordinator Ms Lynne Lillico.

Ms Lillico said the festival had a distinguished track record of bringing some of Australia's classical musical world's top names to the Central Coast village hall to present a variety of choral and orchestral music.

"One of the highlight concerts in this year's line-up will be on Saturday afternoon when B'tutta opens the festival bringing to the audience the excitement of percussion music," Ms Lillico said.

"Formed in 1990, the ensemble plays a range of styles from traditional African music to contemporary Australian art music.

"The musicians display the beauty and versatility of the marimba, xylophone, drums and a variety of un-tuned percussion instruments in an energetic performance.

"On Saturday evening, The Power of Three, a combination of clarinet, flute and piano, presents eclectic programs ranging from the classics to new Australian music especially written for them.

"The emphasis is upon music that will be accessible to a wide range of audiences.

"Included in the program will be duo combinations and piano solos as well as trios.

"Rags and folk arrangements sit beside Saint-Saens and Bach,"

Ms Lillico said the Sunday afternoon program would see duo Chris Pidcock on cello and Van-Anh Nguyen on piano celebrate Chopin's 200th anniversary.

A barboque ball will be held on Sunday evening.

Ms Lillico said: "The Early Dance Consort invites the audience to join in to the world of early dance and enjoy the social dances of the European Courts in the renaissance and baroque eras - from 15th century to the late 18th century.

"Accompanied by ensemble Con Spirito, a String Faculty Chamber Ensemble from the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, with Monika Kornel on harpsichord, invited to join with them and interpret music of past centuries.

"Pearl Beach is extremely fortunate to be able to attract highly-accomplished musicians.

"Over the years some of the musical worlds' top names have performed at the June long weekend festival, and this year is no exception, and we look forward to a wonderful weekend of fine music that will excite and delight."

The Pearl Beach Classical Music Festival will take place at the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall on June 12 and 13 from 2.30pm to 7.30pm daily.

Tickets cost $30 for each performance and children (under 15) $15 with proceeds going to hall upgrades.

For bookings contact 4343 1455.

Press release, 2 Jun 2010 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association