THOSE organising a chamber music concert in an old tin shed in a cow paddock adjacent to a creek might be ready for some flooded crossings, or for the occasional snake, possum or cow to try and join the fun.
But what cannot be anticipated is a very late cancellation by one of the principal musicians.
News Of The Area reported in July that this year’s Craven Creek Music Festival would be held on 13 and 14 September, and that for the first time it would feature piano music after the acquisition of a baby grand piano.
The pianist was set to be the acclaimed Konstantin Shamray.
Several piano pieces were in the advertised program, including the beautiful, but challenging, ‘Archduke’ Trio by Beethoven.
It doesn’t take much imagination to guess how organisers Greg and Jenny Linday felt when, just a few days from the start of this year’s event, they received a phone call advising that Shamray would not be available to play as arranged.
“With Konstantin Shamray no longer available, and the festival just a few days away, the task to find a replacement shifted into high gear,” said Greg.
“But phone calls and text messages from violinist Dimity Hall sent out to the world of pianists struck gold, and Dimity told us that the acclaimed Bernadette Harvey was available and would do it.”
Greg spoke to Bernadette on Wednesday night, and by late Thursday night she and her husband had travelled the over four-hour journey from Rylstone to Gloucester.
Rehearsals began in earnest at Craven Creek early on Friday.
Saturday and Sunday mornings were devoted to pieces involving various wind instruments, while the afternoon concerts demonstrated why, since winning the 1987 ‘Young Performer of the Year Award’, Bernadette is now regarded as an acclaimed international pianist.
Bernadette was accompanied by Dimity Hall on the violin and Julian Smiles on the cello.
The old tin shed was packed for all four performances, with many guests enjoying both morning and afternoon concerts with a picnic lunch in-between.
“I think the concept of a concert in an old shed works fabulously,” said Bernadette.
“It’s these little quirky venues that people love to come to.
“The atmosphere is magical, although I did have to move backstage at one point because a carpet snake was dangling down.”
By John WATTS
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