Members of the Classical Music Quartet ‘Collusion’ were a big hit with the crowds at the Landsborough concert.
LANDSBOROUGH - Landsborough and nearby towns will play host to an exciting new music festival in early 2014.
In what can only be a coup for the Pyrenees and Northern Grampians regions, former Landsborough resident, Darren Vance, announced the establishment of the Pyrenees Music Festival at the recent classical music concert held in Landsborough.
The night featured highly acclaimed chamber ensemble 'Collusion', a Brisbane-based classical quartet who captivated the crowd with a flawless performance of six pieces by Australian composers.
Collusion will also be one of the feature acts of the new music festival.
'Collusion' violinist Ben Greaves has collaborated with Darren Vance to secure renowned singer Katie Noonan as musical director of the inaugural festival to be held in February, 2014.
It is expected the music festival will become an annual event.
Noonan is well-known as lead singer of ARIA award-winning band 'George' and is also highly regarded for her solo and other collaborative work.
As director and patron, Katie will oversee a festival that will embrace the natural acoustics of town halls throughout the Pyrenees region, such as Landsborough, Navarre, Redbank, Barkly and Moonambel, together with open-air performances in vineyards, amongst the trees and in various other uniquely rural locations.
Mr Vance, a former Landsborough resident now working as a solicitor in Melbourne, sees the festival as an amazing opportunity for the Pyrenees region to showcase its natural beauty, community-minded people and local businesses.
"The Festival will culminate in a sensational evening concert under the stars, which we hope will showcase a view of the world, more people should see - the crystal clear starry night of the Pyrenees summer sky," he said.
"This will be set to a soundtrack provided by some of Australia's most popular artists, backed by a 20 plus piece orchestra."
Mr Vance said he is passionate about bringing high quality cultural events to rural areas as a way of both giving back to his home region, while also giving locals the opportunity to experience musical acts they would usually only get to hear in the city.
At the recent Landsborough concert, a fundraising drive was also announced which aims to raise funds for the purchase of a grand piano to be housed in Landsborough for events such as the festival and other performances.