Youth set to shine this Sunday at Four Winds

Some say Spring is the best time of year on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, and Four Winds is going all out to prove it – injecting a stunning program of music into our longer days.

The Four Winds ‘Spring Music Festival’ was launched yesterday (November 1) with a concert in the famous Sound Shell south of Bermagui featuring school children from Bermagui, Candelo, Narooma, Tanja, and Tathra.

The massed choir and body percussion orchestra have spent months rehearsing individually for the combined performance led by local maestros Geoffrey Badger, Jacqui Howarth, Greg Sheehan, and David Hewitt.

Tomorrow (November 3) there’s more music and performance with the bar even higher.

Sunday is a day of music and dance; contemporary and orchestral musicians, combined with dancers, singer-songwriters and individual classical musicians, all to be enjoyed with a picnic on the lawns of Four Winds bushland amphitheatre.

A highlight will be a new dance piece, created specifically for the Four Winds site. Never before have dancers wrapped themselves around the Four Winds site like this. ‘Encounter South’ is an exploration into the everyday extraordinariness and power of young people living on the Far South Coast and Western Sydney. Developed with a cast of eight Western Sydney dancers and eight locals from fLiNG Physical Theatre, along with the 50 members of the renowned Western Sydney Youth Orchestra.

Encounter South is a celebration of the indomitable spirit of youth, come and have it rub off on you!

The music for the dance was composed by multi ARIA nominated singer, songwriter and composer Jodi Phillis, along with muti-award winning film score composer Amanda Brown.

“We are looking forward to hearing what a rock chick will bring to an orchestra,” Four Winds chief David Francis says.

“Close to the heart of Four Winds is our mentoring program for some of the South Coasts best young musicians, be prepared to be blown away by these up and coming musicians.

“From singer-songwriters to classical soloists these young people are really going to inspire you with their performance in the Windsong Pavilion.

“If you love music, are learning an instrument or want to inspire our next generation, come along. If you haven’t been to Four Winds before, this is a lovely opportunity to come and experience incredible music on a beautiful site.”

Tickets are $30 and children under 16 years are free. Tickets at the Four Winds website and at the door.

The large tree-lined amphitheatre has lots of room for low chairs and picnic rugs. Food, coffee, wine and refreshments will be available for purchase from local vendors throughout the day. Alternatively, bring a picnic, relax on the grass and enjoy this musical smorgasbord.

Rain is forecast, which will no doubt add to the outdoor performances! Bring your wet weather gear to get the most out of it.

Sunday, November 3, the Spring Festival Finale:

Part 1, indoor performance – Windsong Pavilion, 10 am

Showcasing amazing young talent from the region including:
Alisi Arbon, Bega Valley Youth Choir, Chantelle Bennett, Imogen Bichard, Jarrah Catlin, Nyah Cockle, Juliet & Zosha Fitzmaurice, Guitararama, India Hartley, Aboud Kaplo, Jasper Lay, Isabella Lightly, Ruby Newell, Millar Northam, Emma Piccione, Spring Festival Strings, Thomas Whitaker, Yesterdays’ Jam (Ruby and Imogen Bichard), Luca Ziino, Amelie Ziino.

Part 2, outdoor performance – Sound Shell, 12:15 pm

Featuring the Western Sydney Youth Orchestra and the Bega Valley Youth Choir with the world premiere of ‘Toonku & Nygaardi’ – songs by Yuin composer Brenda Gifford.

Part 3, outdoor performance – Sound Shell, 1 pm to 2 pm

‘Encounter South’ a specially devised music and dance work created for the Four Winds site. This work is an exploration of the everyday extraordinariness and power of young people.

Developed with a cast of dancers from FORM Dance Projects (Parramatta) in collaboration with fLiNG Physical Theatre (Bega Valley), and the Western Sydney Youth Orchestra.

Click play and join the conversation with David Francis…