Allanah Dopson has dreamed of holding a chamber music festival in Tasmania for years – and now her dream is becoming reality.
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The state’s first ever chamber music festival will be held in Evandale over an October weekend this year, championed by Ms Dopson’s drive and determination.
“This is something I have always wanted to do in Tasmania,” she said.
“I have experienced fantastic classical music events all over Australia, but there is perhaps no location more fitting than the beautiful, Georgian landscape of Evandale.
“We have assembled not only talented and passionate musicians, but interesting and engaging personalities, which we hope will add to the overall intimacy of the weekend.”
There is perhaps no location more fitting than the beautiful, Georgian landscape of Evandale.
- Festival director Allanah Dopson
The festival is already attracting some remarkable musicians, including recorder vurtuoso Genevieve Lacey.
Tasmania’s Van Diemen’s Band, led by Julia Fredersdorff, and Geniveve Lacey will perform Italian Baroque at the Fall’s Pavillion, with recorder concertos by Sammartini and Vivaldi.
Tinalley String Quartet, known for their internationally-acclaimed CD of Haydn Opus 20 Quartets released in 2014, will also make their way to Evandale.
Festival attendees will also enjoy a three course, wine-matched lunch at Josef Chromy Vineyard, following a recital from fellow international star, pianist Piers Lane.
ABC Classic FM’s Christopher Lawrence will host a conversation with Lane over the lunch.
Adding to the star-studded lineup, harp soloist Marshall McGuire, known for his work with the English String Quartet and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, will perform at an exclusive, 80-seat-limited venue known as the Harland Rise Barn.
Liberal Member for Lyons Mark Shelton congratulated Ms Dopson on her vision and success in developing the festival, saying it would help Tasmania “become the boutique events capital of Australia”.
The state government is supporting the festival with a $20,000 grant through Events Tasmania.
“The Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival brings together Tasmania’s unique cultural and natural strengths and will help achieve our goal of become the boutique events capital of Australia,” he said.
“Our growing visitor economy is well placed to support innovative events such as this one, which continue to open up regional Tasmania to tourists from around the world.”
The Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival will be held from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 October.
