Region’s fine music to shine

Today (Friday, January 10) marks the start of Ballarat Festival of Organ and Fine Music showcasing the beauty of the region’s organs.

The five-day festival was previously called the Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields and was founded by Italian organist Sergio de Pieri along with Judith Houston and Voi Williams.

Following financial difficulties, the festival was shut down last year, however, after receiving a significant donation, a team of five decided to revive the initiative under a new name.

Ms Williams said it was one of the only events in the region where people could listen to classical music for an affordable price.

“There is very little live classical music at affordable prices in the country and anywhere, really.

“It has been a tried and true formular where our ticket prices are very reasonable indeed compared to what you pay at most places.”

The festival program will begin at St Patrick’s Cathedral with a performance of Christmas in Paris, the music of Marc-Antonie Charpentier, by e21 and directed by Stephen Grant.

There will also be performances at Carngham Church, St Paul’s Anglican Church Bakery Hill, Neil Street Uniting Church, St Paul’s Anglican Church Clunes, the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, St Peter’s Anglican Church, and the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts.

The program will conclude at St Patrick’s Cathedral with a performance of Cantatas of Thanksgiving by JS Bach.

The festival breakfast is an annual tradition and will be held on Sunday, January 12.

“About 27 years ago or 28 years ago when we very first started, a lot of people came to the festival from elsewhere,” said Ms Williams.

“I thought to myself, there should be a way for people to meet each other and get to know each other socially so I decided to put on a festival breakfast.”

Ms Williams encouraged the community to support the event and ensure it can run into the future. “We do get a lot of people booking from outside, but we do hope the local community from Ballarat and Central Highlands area really support the festival,” she said.

To purchase a ticket, head to the Ballarat Festival of Organ and Fine Music website. Tickets cannot be purchased at the door.