The opening concert of the 5th Mackay Chamber Music Festival features each of the wonderful musicians of the Festival, and is sure to delight and move you.

It might be surprising to know that even the prodigious Mozart had his struggles - apparently harbouring a strong dislike of the flute, he struggled to complete a commissioned set of works for the instrument. Despite his distaste for the instrument, and his struggles to find time to complete the work, his Flute Quartet in D major is a piece full of playfulness and virtuosity.

Danish composer Carl Nielsen’s Wind Quintet was an immediate hit at its premiere, and has remained a staple of modern woodwind repertoire ever since. Nielsen wrote this colourful work with five specific musicians in mind, and each player’s personality was intended to be reflected in the work, alongside his love of nature.

Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet is a work of undeniable beauty, with melodies and youthful vigour abound. Written at just 22 years of age and while on a joyful summer holiday, Schubert paints a beautiful picture of nature, complete with a burbling brook and its inhabitants. 

Please join the artists after the concert for a complimentary drink, platter box and Q&A in the foyer to celebrate the return of the Mackay Chamber Music Festival!

MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus – Flute Quartet in D Major, K. 285 (Eliza Shephard, Glenn Christensen, Meagan Turner, Simon Cobcroft)

NIELSEN, Carl – Wind Quintet, Op. 43, FS 100 (Arcadia Winds – Eliza Shephard, Rachel Bullen, Philip Arkinstall, Rachel Shaw, Matthew Kneale)

- INTERVAL -

SCHUBERT, Franz – Quintet for Piano and Strings in A Major, Op. 114 D. 667 “Trout Quintet” - (Doretta Balkizas, Meagan Turner, Simon Cobcroft, Jaan Pallandi, Angela Turner)