Premier performance of Americana opens at MAC

Published on 06 September 2016

With a stellar season planned for the Melbourne Recital Centre, the vibrant guitar-based ensemble, Melbourne Guitar Quartet, will premier their new show Americana this Saturday at Mildura Arts Centre.

Melbourne Guitar Quartet’s (MGQ) Americana is a unique take on works from four of the USA’s leading artists including Steve Reich, Terry Riley and Neil Young. The performance includes a collaboration with a young vocalist called Olivia Hally, who will perform new arrangements of songs by contemporary singer-songwriter, Neko Case.

Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Jill Joslyn said MGQ formed in 2005 and are dedicated to the development of the chamber music repertoire for the instrument.

“They use a variety of guitars including the classical bass guitar, baritone guitar, standard guitar, treble guitar and octave guitar to produce their unique sound,” Cr Joslyn explained. “The award-winning group are looking for new and exciting ways to arrange major musical works.”

“Audiences who enjoy live music will particularly enjoy the technical and musical excellence MGQ bring to different works.”

Eight students from Soebardi Six String Surfers, a local guitar ensemble made up of students from secondary schools in the region, will also have the opportunity to perform with Melbourne Guitar Quartet, gain practical tips and advice and learn more their 'guitar family' instruments.

Mildura Arts Centre has a long-standing partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre and has another exciting performance scheduled for November when Kate Ceberano and Paul Grabowsky will visit Mildura to perform Love Songs. 

Tickets for Melbourne Guitar Quartet’s (MGQ) Americana are on sale now and available from the Mildura Arts Centre and the Mildura Visitor Information and Booking Centre.

Mildura Arts Centre and Melbourne Recital Centre present
Melbourne Guitar Quartet
7:30pm, Saturday 10 September
http://www.milduraartscentre.com.au/Whats-On/SHOWS/Americana-Melbourne-Guitar-Quartet.aspx

Find out more about MGQ at www.mgq.com.au