Piano Dialogues: Two Unique Trio Performances

Two Sydney-based pianists and composers, Diego Duarte and Byron Mark will present an exciting evening of original music with their trios. Diego and Byron have years of experience performing in various genres with different artists, and this depth of knowledge has inspired them to create unique music with their ensembles. 

DIEGO IDARRAGA DUARTE:

Diego is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer and conductor who has explored a wide range of genres and formats. His concert experience ranges from performing with symphony orchestras to playing with rock bands and classical solo recitals at numerous important venues such as Sydney Opera House, House of Blues in L.A, in countries such as Australia, USA, Canada and Colombia.

Diego’ s compositions have been performed by known ensembles in Sydney such as Iron Bark Ensemble and Quart-Ed and have had praising reviews such as the following by Paul Nolan: « This composer approached his assignment with his signature depth of analysis and careful selection of musical material to depict the big picture, however tortured. His three movement work with analytical titles relating to the portrait’s shock value. He had plenty of material to highlight Ironbark Ensemble’s solo and group voices. The players delivered this vivid musical commentary in clear broad strokes and exciting busy detail. »

DR J Trio is formed by Diego Idarraga Duarte, Richard Driscoll on double-bass and James Wright on the Drums. DR J’s music explores musical form and textural possibilities between three musicians combining the essence of jazz, progressive music, classical and rock.

To find out more about him visit his Facebook and Instagram pages to check his videos and updates on performances:

www.facebook.com/concertdiego

IG: diegoidarragamusic

BYRON MARK: 

• Byron Mark - Piano

• Jack Ward - Cello

• Maharshi Raval - Tabla 

Byron is a professional pianist, percussionist and composer, with over 20 years of live performance experience in Australia, and internationally. His depth of knowledge in many musical styles allows him to collaborate with numerous different artists of varying genres; spanning jazz and flamenco, to funk and pop. 

Byron’s performance at the Annandale Creative Arts Centre will be a special showcase of his original work, featuring a dynamic trio with Byron on piano/percussion, Maharshi Raval on tabla, and Jack Ward on cello. They will perform select pieces from Byron’s latest album Odyssey. These compositions are inspired by flamenco rhythms, coloured with Latin and Jazz harmonies, whilst staying true to his classical piano roots. 

Byron has been performing and collaborating with Maharshi for nearly 15 years in various projects. Maharshi is a guru on the tabla, where his rhythmic precision on the instrument is mesmerising. A special energy ignites the stage when Byron and Maharshi share their rhythms and creative flair. 

Jack Ward is an extremely versatile cellist that has worked with many different ensembles around Australia. As an orchestral musician, he has performed with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras, Copenhagen Philharmonic, Orchestra Victoria and Sydney Symphony Sinfonia. Byron and Jack performed together for the first time earlier this year in a flamenco show. Jack’s mastery of the cello and impeccable musicianship inspired Byron to invite Jack to collaborate with him for this unique trio formation. 

Byron’s recent album ‘Odyssey’ received an ARIA nomination for Best World Music Album in 2023, and his debut solo release ‘Amalgamation’ earned him top 5 in Australia for Instrumental Composition at the Australian Independent Music Awards.

“Byron Mark imparts seriously high-octane energy to both the ensemble players and the audience” (Barry O’Sullivan; Fine Music Magazine)

Web: https://www.byronmark.com/

Instagram: @byronmarkmusic 

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Location: Annandale Creative Arts Centre (81 Johnston St, Annandale)

General Admission Tickets: $45 GA // $35 Concession (plus booking fee)

Doors: 7pm

Diego Duarte Trio: 7.30pm

Byron Mark Trio: 8.30pm