WITH acts ranging from fiery flamenco and French opera to gypsy-Balkan swing and African vibes, the Mornington Peninsula will come alive with music this month.
More than 50 Australian and international artists will gather for the Peninsula Summer Music Festival from January 1-8 with a mix of classical, contemporary and world music.
The action will take place over 16 performances in the region’s wineries and churches, with guest performances from French harpsichordist and baroque specialist Aline Zylberajch and Italian guitarists Massimo Scattolin and Andrea Vettoretti.
The festival opens on New Year’s Day with its popular Hair of the Dog concert at the Lindenberry at Red Hill winery (this year featuring a flamenco performance).
On January 5, South African-born musician and storyteller Valanga Khoza invites the family to an African adventure, with traditional instruments such as the kalimba, marimba and shijoro (jaw harp). The finale is a massed choir of local children.
Top picks on January 7 include a chance to see one of the world’s leading baroque violinists, Lucinda Moon, make her festival debut performing an all-Bach program at Church of St John the Evangelist at 11am.
In the afternoon, one of Australia’s most versatile musicians, pianists and composers, Stefan Cassomenos, will give a solo performance with works by Scarlatti, Chopin, Schumann and Rachmaninoff alongside recent works from Australian performers.
The festival finishes with Twilight Jazz at Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove featuring Australian music theatre stars Amanda Harrison, Chelsea Renton Gibb and Melissa Langton paying homage to composer Cy Coleman.
Tickets $20-$140. www.peninsulafestival.com.au
