FROM performing on three occasions for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and solo shows in London and New York, world-class violinist Courtenay Cleary is set to wow Beerwah with a very special one-off performance. Courtenay will be joined by another of the world’s rising classical stars, cellist Guillame Wang, in a unique one-time-only performance at Beerwah Community Hall on Saturday 10 June.
It is a performance which has been given special recognition by National Arts funding organisation, Festivals Australia. Artistic Director of the Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival, Dr. Lynne Bradley, tells the story:
“Our Festival has only been going on for three years, and is now one of only 15 festival organisations in Australia to be recognised in 2023 for this performance, at Beerwah Community Hall,” Dr Bradley said. ‘It has a lot to do with the two rising stars who will play in this event, along with the renowned Chamber Music Ensemble, Southern Cross Soloists,’ she said.
Violinist Courtenay Cleary, while still in her 20s, is a Masters of Music Graduate of The Juilliard School, in New York. Courtenay played on three occasions in London for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She has performed as a Soloist at Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Wigmore Hall London and the Lincoln Centre, New York.
Cellist Guillaume Wang, made his debut with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra at the age of 15, in 2013. Guillaume graduated with Honours from the Paris Conservatoire in 2018. Guillaume’s overseas credits include performances at Wigmore Hall and St Martin in the Fields, London, and Queen Elizabeth Chapel, Belgium. Guillaume returned home to Brisbane in 2021 to be with his family during the Covid pandemic. Fortunately, he decided to stay home a bit longer, but undoubtedly will soon return to his glittering International career.
“Australian audiences are so lucky to have Courtenay and Guillaume back in Queensland as Artists with the Southern Cross Soloists’, Dr Bradley said. ‘Courtenay grew up on the Sunshine Coast and studied initially at the Conservatorium in Brisbane. Guillaume was raised in Brisbane before embarking on his Paris Conservatoire studies. They are two young Artists of distinction and we are proud to present them in this year’s Festival.”
The Southern Cross Soloists, with Didgeridoo Artist Chris Williams, will perform ‘Earth and Sky’ at Beerwah Community Hall on Saturday June 10, 7.30pm-9pm. Tix: $60 at sccmf.com.au