BY CARISSA DYALL
It was a weekend showing off what the classical guitar had to offer. The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music hosted the Guitar Perspectives Winter Celebration in August – a weekend of concerts, research, masterclasses, and student performances at its new campus in the heart of Southbank. Filled with music-making and research in the field guitar, it was three days dedicated to the exploration of this wonderful instrument.
Amongst all the incredible performances, what stood out the most was the diversity and versatility of music that the guitar could produce, as well as the passion that every performer had for their craft.
Diversity
The weekend saw music from around the globe being put on show, presenting the variety of what the guitar world has to offer with a focus on music from Spain and South America – two areas that are close to the MCM guitar faculty’s heart. This was evident in the featured artists of the festival: Meng Su, Adam del Monte, and Yamandu Costa.
The display of diversity the guitar had in an ensemble context was on show in Choro to the Max, a celebration of choro, a genre of Brazilian popular music. MCM staff, students, and friends showcased a diverse range of ensemble formations, from a duet of guitar and seven-string guitar, to a trio of flute, cavaquinho, and seven-string guitar. Reflected in the music selection, the mood was light-hearted and relaxed throughout performers and audience.
Versatility
A stunning and awe-inspiring performance of flamenco guitar music was provided by Adam del Monte on the Saturday night of the festival. Del Monte took the audience through a journey of the variety of flamenco, and advocated for the idea that a guitarist can play both flamenco and classical music, despite differences in technique and aesthetic. The programming reflected this idea with the inclusion of Capricho Arabe by Francisco Tarrega.
Passion
All the performers throughout the weekend showed great passion for the music they made, and the feeling was mutual for audience members alike. The Hanson Dyer Hall was packed with an enthusiastic and eager audience for Yamandu Costa and closing concert for the festival. Joined by Elodie Bouny for part of the concert, the pair showed humanity and a deep love for the music that they created.
One of the most satisfying moments of the weekend was Meng Su and her interpretation of JS Bach’s Sonata in A minor, BWV 1003, during the opening night concert. The sound created by Meng filled the space of the auditorium and it was a devine experience. This coupled by an equally exceptional interpretation of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Sonata Omaggio a Boccherini Op. 77. A sublime experience for the opening night.
Images of Yamandu Costa and Elodie Bouny supplied.
