A series of intimate house concerts is planned from December 2 at the home of Harry McCarthy and Leanne Swanson.
Entitled A Classical Point of View, the concerts are designed to present classical music in the traditional form, enhanced by the luxury of the Wellington Point home and its views of Moreton Bay.
For Mr McCarthy, the series is an opportunity to share his house and his love of music and art with a community he is gradually calling his own.
Hailing from Coffs Harbour, Mr McCarthy comes from a timber milling family but has worked as a paper conservator at the National Gallery in Canberra. As such he has gathered an eclectic collection of artwork. Since marrying pianist Leanne Swanson and moving to the Redlands in January, he is also able to indulge in a love of classical music.
“There is a strong community of talented performers here who, for need of an opportunity and a venue, don’t get heard. These are musicians of the highest calibre,” he said.
“The classics were written for home listening and it is often too expensive for the performer to put on a show at a large venue and for the audience member to watch. We intend chamber music to be heard in a room in a house as it was intended.
“We are decentralising and bringing the music close to the audience and the performer. This is a lovely house with beautiful acoustics and a beautiful ambience. We feel privileged to have the opportunity to introduce this series which makes music intimate and personal,” he said.
Mr McCarthy said in hosting the series, he had the pleasure of regularly hearing a wide variety of music as the performers rehearsed.
“It is quite indulgent really,” he said.
Planned is an art song series featuring Heather Gillies, Camille Barry and Rosemarie Arthars (December 2), piano trio art inspirations with Camille Barry, Daniel Curro and Leanne Swanson (January 27), two piano concert (March 24), music with the Black Square Quartet (May 26), Kreisler salon (July 28), English Celtic art songs with Andrew Collis, Rosemarie Arthars, Camille Barry and Leanne Swanson (September 22) and gypsy tango (November 24).
Coordinator Leanne Swanson said the concerts were still being finalised with performers and content, but all promised the highest calibre of musicianship and ability.
“It fills my home with music and my heart with joy,” Mr McCarthy said.
Bookings can be made on 0418 456 829.
