Bossa nova to Bach, the Tyalgum Music Festival is back

THE Tyalgum Music Festival is returning for its 33rd year with a spectacular program from September 26 to 28.

The vibrant bill features opera, 18th-century instruments, Brazilian jazz, a solo cellist, and a piano with 18 guitars.

Executive director Katharine Willison said the festival was an all-consuming project but very rewarding.

“The musicians all love being here because you get this beautiful response from the audience,” she said.

“It’s super intimate and so rewarding. They say they’d perform at QPAC, but don’t receive any meaningful feedback from the people.

“But after a concert here, there’s so much audience love and interaction.

“All the musicians feel so appreciated, and the audience loves the connection with them.”

Willison’s parents, Australian-born Carmel Kaine and Englishman John Willison, were both violinists and established the festival in 1992.

 

The family emigrated from London in 1990, settling at Bald Mountain outside Tyalgum.

“My parents have always put on concerts and wanted to start a festival and travelling around, they found the hall and thought it was the perfect spot,” Willison said.

“They put on one concert, and it all took off from there.”

As one of the oldest classical festivals in Australia, Willison is always seeking new ways to make the music accessible.

“My dream was we do some opera because in England, every summer, all the big stately homes do an outdoor opera, with newly graduated singers, and it’s a beautiful atmosphere,” she said.

“Opera can be seen as a bit elitist, and I wanted to break that down.

“This year we’re doing The Magic Flute, and I love that it’s a relaxed way for everyone in the community to hear great opera without spending $350-plus on a ticket.”

 

The sustainability of boutique festivals, orchestras and ensembles is always a slog, and Willison feels it is an unfortunate but necessary evil.

“It is sad that many people, the government included, don’t realise that it’s not supposed to make a profit – that’s not really what we’re here for,” she said.

“It’s supposed to be cultural enrichment, and it’s essential for society as a whole. It’s a massive part of it.

“There’s a heavy funding in Western Europe for music and the arts generally, and it’s for everyone.

“Tweed Council does recognise that, and they support sporting clubs and community projects, but they also see the value in a small classical music festival because a lot of people do want that, and it enriches our region immeasurably.”

For tickets, visit tyalgumfestival.com.au .