Chisholm St is a live performance space on Wadawurrung country, Ballarat. We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and recognise that their sovereignty was never ceded.

Hosted by Bronwyn Blaiklock, Chisholm St is an intimate foray into fascinating corners of classical music. Launched in March 2021, this diverse series of concerts by regional musicians and spoken word performers gives you a rare glimpse into creative music-making, up close and personal.

Chisholm St: October

Two award-winning creatives share their works and their insight into where their inspiration comes from in this special Chisholm St series. Composer/Pianist Jack L. Stacey and author/poet Kirstyn McDermott present a program of all-original works, including a never-before-heard collaborative performance. Where will their inspiration take us?

The Performers

Jack L. Stacey - pianist and composer
Throughout much of his childhood, Jack relied heavily on music as his primary means of expression. Neurodiverse since a young age, Jack enhanced his understanding of the world around him by expressing himself through his connections with music. It was clear he had an undeniable affection for music.

In his teenage years, Jack was among the final prize winners in the Australian Children’s Music Foundation Song Writing Competition and performed his original orchestral composition ‘The Night’s Lullaby’ with the Ballarat Symphony Orchestra in 2010. He also participated in consecutive APRA Tropscore competitions and was one of four finalists in the Tropscore Jr. competition in 2013.

Jack completed his VCE Music studies and performed at the Top Class Sounds Concert in 2017. He was honoured to receive the Margaret Schofield Scholarship for Composition for his original piece: “Nightfall’s Lament”. He completed his course for the Bachelor of Music in 2020 at the University of New England, Armidale, and is currently studying his Honours year, majoring in composition. He was awarded the Cecil Hill Prize and successfully received the Jean M Oxley Memorial Scholarship to help continue his studies for his outstanding achievements. Jack is currently studying for his AMEB LMusA.

Read more about Jack here: www.jacklstacey.com
Find him on social media: https://www.facebook.com/Jack.L.Stacey

Kirstyn McDermott
The author of two award-winning novels, Madigan Mine and Perfections, and a collection of short fiction, Caution: Contains Small Parts, Kirstyn McDermott has been working in the darker alleyways of speculative fiction for much of her career. Her stories and poetry have been published in various magazines, journals and anthologies both within Australia and internationally, with her most recent work being Never Afters, a series of novellas that retell classic fairy tales.

She holds a PhD in creative writing with a research focus on re-visioned fairy tales and produces and co-hosts a literary discussion podcast, The Writer and the Critic. Kirstyn lives in Ballarat, Australia, with fellow writer Jason Nahrung and two distinctly non-literary felines. She can be found online at www.kirstynmcdermott.com.

The venue

Seating
Bespoke reupholstered deck chairs and lounge suite awaits you, however, be sure to dress warmly as seating extends to an external covered deck and this is Ballarat, after all.

Children
Children who are 16 years and under are free to attend, although we ask that paid ticket-holders get priority of seating. Children are welcome to enjoy the garden and cubby house during daytime performances.

Refreshments
You are invited to join the performers for refreshments afterwards. This includes wine, cheese, gluten-friendly snacks, light drinks, tea and coffee at no extra charge. You are welcome to bring a bottle of your favourite beverage.

Covid-19
Please do not attend if you are unwell or following covid-19 quarantine regulations. Attendees at Chisholm St performances are required to be double-vaccinated and to show their certificate upon arrival. All performers are at least double vaccinated as is required by government directions. Please use the hand-sanitiser supplied and check-in using our QR code at the point of entry.

Masks will need to be worn to sit inside unless a medical exemption applies, however, masks do not need to be worn if you are seated outside on the deck. Please maintain social distancing where possible.

Covid-safe plan in place.

Contact the host of Chisholm St: Creativity