We are excited to announce our line up for the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium’s 2026 Sunday Series.
Duo Aki – before/now/after
Duo Aki (ジュオ秋), comprised of Eden Annesley, Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium Allumni, (violin/looper pedal) and Lola Schuele (saxophone/shakuhachi), is an ensemble working in the nexus of Australian and Japanese classical and contemporary music.
Traversing the two artists’ experiences living in Japan, before/now/after empowers the voices of emerging and established Australian female composers alongside expressions of Japanese folk song and original work.
Inspired by ideas of change present across culture and environment, the program is designed in a three-part cyclical structure to respond to the Osaka World Expo Australian Pavilion theme – Chasing the sun.
Exploring traditional models of musical expression, Before, is set in a sunrise across the vast lands of Australia. Now, holds the voices of Duo Aki and their pursuits in personal expression. Finally, After poses questions of the future and shines light on the potential negative repercussions of decisions made now.
In addition to a 2pm concert Duo Aki will also be presenting a workshop from 11am.
Grigoryan Brothers – Amnistad
‘Amistad’ is the latest release from acclaimed guitar duo, the Grigoryan Brothers.
With a repertoire spanning centuries, continents, and genres, displaying amazing telepathy and the ability to evoke emotion from every note, Slava & Leonard Grigoryan are justifiably regarded as Australia’s finest classical guitarists.
Throughout their musical journey spanning over two decades, Slava and Leonard have forged connections with like-minded souls worldwide. Each track on ‘Amistad’, released by Decca, is a gift from composers met during their travels, some tailored specifically for the brothers, while others find new life through their unique interpretations.
Contributions have come from such diverse composers as Cuban guitarist Leo Brouwer, legendary jazz guitarist Ralph Towner, Sting’s guitarist Dominic Miller, guitarist Gus Isidore (Seal, Peter Gabriel), Australian neo-classical pianists Luke Howard and Nat Bartsch, and more.
Crafted with love, respect, and a profound understanding, these compositions symbolise the reciprocal appreciation between the composers and the Grigoryan Brothers. Amistad, meaning ‘friendship’ in Spanish, is a celebration of camaraderie — a project resonating with respect and connection, a heartfelt tribute from the brothers.
This performance will feature music from Amistad and favourites from their past recordings.
Estampa: Postcards – Melodies from Afar
A Musical Voyage across Cultures and Continents.
Embark on a captivating musical journey with Postcards – Melodies from Afar, a concert that blends jazz, classical, folk and world music in a truly unique experience. From the fierce folky jazz of Django Reinhardt’s Seul ce soir to the romantic bossa nova of Antônio Carlos Jobim’s Corcovado, this performance explores the depth and beauty of diverse musical traditions.
Original compositions like Hora De Nundah, inspired by Balkan rhythms, and N’Awlins, capturing the essence of New Orleans jazz, are paired with traditional Swedish folk songs like Kristallen den fina and Halling Från Ekshärad.
Experience a beautiful arrangement that intertwines Chopin’s Prelude in E minor with Jobim’s How Insensitive, effortlessly blending classical and bossa nova. Bie Mir Bistu Shein is a beloved Yiddish classic that evokes a nostalgic charm, while the lively rhythms of Farmors Brudpolska transports you across continents. The concert concludes with a brilliant arrangement of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, celebrating the timeless appeal of Baroque music.
ARTISTS
Rebecca Karlen voice/violin/viola/nyckelharpa
Paul Henderson banjo/acoustic guitar
John Reeves button accordion
Samuel Vincent double bass
Presented in association with Musica Viva Australia
Tickets for each individual concert can be purchased below or you can purchase a Sunday Series Pass to all three concerts.
We look forward to seeing you at a concert soon!
