Bird-inspired concert takes flight

By Lachlan Ellis

After two postponements thanks to the COVID pandemic, an exotic and fun-filled concert will finally grace Ballan this November.

The ‘Birds in Music in Ballan’ concert was first conceived during 2020’s Birds in Ballan Festival, but with live music events unable to be held during pandemic restrictions, the event was postponed until now.

The three musicians playing some quirky bird-inspired songs at the concert are Ballan’s Melbourne Symphony Orchestra cellist Miranda Brockman, Blackwood’s Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Association Principal bassoonist Elise Millman, and former Head of Keyboard at Monash University School of Music, Kenji Fujimura, on the piano.

Ms Brockman said the concert would feature a range of songs inspired by birds, including a composition created just for the concert.

“The concert is a quirky exploration of bird-inspired music for cello, piano and bassoon in various combinations. The program has a beautiful mixture of well-known masterpieces, obscure gems and two fabulous compositions by contemporary Australian composers,” Ms Brockman told the Moorabool News.

“One of these – ‘Ballan Suite’ – is composed by our extraordinary pianist Kenji Fujimura especially for the event, and takes inspiration from three different birds. The concert it will be a celebration of all that is good about live music, community, and delicious cake!”

The Birds in Music in Ballan Concert will be held on Sunday 6 November from 3 pm at the Ballan Mechanics Hall, followed by a splendid afternoon tea.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for concession holders, and $15 for children and students. To book, visit www.trybooking.com/BQQGP.

For any enquiries, email Miranda Brockman at [email protected].