By Sonia Isaacs
ACCLAIMED Sunshine Coast musician, Andrew Veivers brings his latest creative collaboration, Guitarra y Cuarteto to the Hinterland this May.
Directly translating to Guitar and Quartet, Guitarra y Cuarteto promises to be an electrifying and innovative concert series that draws on Veivers’ extensive career and deep passion for flamenco guitar, and is inspired by legendary musicians such as Manolo Sanlucar, Steve Reich, and Manuel de Falla.
Touring locally at venues in Maleny and Eudlo, this bold artistic synergy of guitar and strings introduces audiences to a fresh and energetic blend of Veivers’ original compositions and iconic Spanish works, all masterfully performed by Veivers and the Black Square Quartet.
Although fundamentally inspired by the Spanish classics, speaking with GC&M News, Veivers said the project has also allowed him to follow his passion to honour and explore new directions for creative expression incorporating artistic cues from French and Danish cinema and diverse musical styles such as Spanish waltzes, lullabies, theatre music, Brazilian jazz and flamenco.
“These are all musical styles that I have enjoyed socially with family and friends for decades but, for the most part, have only rarely drawn on for my composition and performance,
“This project has afforded me the perfect opportunity to infuse elements of these beautiful musical traditions into my work,” he explained.
He said one of the joys of working within the Australian arts scene was the freedom to draw upon a multitude of cultural influences.
“We are extraordinarily fortunate here to be part of a multicultural society where diversity of cultural influences and expression is encouraged in creative endeavours,” he said.
It is beautiful to have that freedom to explore creative expression.”
Veivers said audiences could expect the energy and passion of flameco with the dynamic excitement of string quartet. “Their passion for pushing musical boundaries aligns perfectly with my vision for this project, making them the ideal collaborators,” he said.
Guitarra y Cuarteto performs at Maleny Community Centre this Sunday, May 19, 4pm and Eudlo Hall Sunday May 24, 4pm. Tix: redchair.com.au