The sounds of strings at Craig’s

THE works of some of the twentieth century’s most iconic musical artists are set to be interpreted by local string group Klemantyne Ensemble as part of their next performance.

The band will soon bring their chamber-inspired take on classic tunes released between the 1920s to the 1960s to Craig’s Royal Hotel next month as part of their As Time Goes By concert.

“We like to be a little diverse in what we do,” said Klemantyne Ensemble founder and leader Nicci Dellar.

“We don’t want to label ourselves as just classical musicians so we decided we’d try something different with this.

“It started off one rehearsal with the 1920s and ended up all the way at 60s. We’re far and wide between genres. “The songs we’ve chosen really suit our sound and style and the arrangements are suited to that lush string sound from that era.”

The concert is set to feature nine instruments including four violins, two violas, two cellos, and double bass.

The program will include works from classic artists like The Beatles, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Henry Mancini.

Having performed in groups in Ballarat for nearly 20 years, Dellar formed Klemantyne Ensemble in 2019 with the aim of highlighting the region’s string players.

She said Craig’s Royal Hotel will be a well-suited venue for their program.

“It’s quite cosy and the ambience really suits the style of what we’ll be playing,” she said.

“We always want to play something audiences can identify. It’s always better when you’re playing something that people know and can identify with.”

As Time Goes By will take place from 3pm on Sunday 21 July.

Tickets are $40 general or $30 concession and can be booked at bit.ly/3KBlmk4.