Chisholm St: History of the Tango (new dates!)

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: 1 & 2 September (new dates) 

Due to illness, this concert series has been postponed to 1 & 2 September 2023. If you have purchased a ticket to 2 or 3 June, your ticket will be transferred to the same weekday as your original order. You are welcome to request a full refund if the new dates do not suit you, but this program is well worth the wait!

Astor Piazzolla, the Argentine tango composer, bandoneon player and arranger, revolutionised the traditional tango by incorporating elements of jazz and classical music. This program illuminates key works of his, including his most famous, Histoire du Tango arranged for flute and piano. Written in 1985, this work attempts to chart the evolution of the form at 30-year intervals - Bordello 1900; Cafe 1930; Nightclub 1960; and Modern-day Concert. Be ready for joyous, often sprightly interplay between the instruments and memorable themes, however, tango-dancing audience members hoping to hear anything vaguely danceable had better be very supple indeed. 

There aren't many venues that give you this kind of insight into the craft of musical performance, up close and personal. Stay for refreshments afterwards, meet the performers - it's included in the ticket - and enjoy the community at Chisholm St.

The performers

Sarah Goodbourn studied performance and studio teaching at The University of Melbourne Conservatorium, with further study in Scotland and England. She has extensive experience playing in orchestras and chamber ensembles in Cambridge, London, Melbourne, Sydney, and Ballarat. She is a regular member of the pit orchestra for shows and teaches flute students across several schools in Ballarat.

Bronwyn Blaiklock graduated from the Elder Conservatorium (University of Adelaide) a lifetime ago with Honours in piano performance, and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in German and psychology then studied at the University of Freiburg on a DAAD scholarship. She has worked in the arts and music education industry for over 30 years, achieving high-profile activity in performing arts and professional writing across three states through work as a performer, artistic director, arts administrator, adjudicator, and educator. Bronwyn’s poetry has appeared in various Australian anthologies and she has read her work at festivals including the Newstead Short Story Tattoo, the Words in Winter Festival, Castlemaine Poetry Readings, Clunes Booktown and the Overload Poetry Festival. Bronwyn’s first collection, Etching my Initials, was published in 2016 by Melbourne Poets Union in the New Poets series. She is currently on the Board of the Ballarat Arts Foundation (BAF).

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
Young children are welcome at Chisholm St, although paid ticket-holders have 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. 

Illness/Covid-19 
Please do not attend if you are unwell. If you are unable to attend due to illness, we may be able to arrange a transfer of your ticket. Consider sending a friend in your place if you can't make it for any reason. Please use the hand-sanitiser supplied at the point of entry and maintain social distancing where possible.