Contra Guitar Duo | Music in the Gallery

Opposing yet complementary performers can create thrilling artistry - this is the basis on which Contra Guitar Duo was formed by Hamish Strathdee and Emma-Shay Gallenti-Guilfoyle.

Our program is a reflection of who we are as musicians and what inspires us. The concert opens with a set of Schubert inspired works by Johann Kaspar Mertz and continues with a beautiful minimalist work by the late Australian composer Phillip Houghton, before bringing the first half to a close with a new arrangement for two guitars of Australian composer Maria Grenfell's Di Primavera.

The second half of the concert opens with the juxtaposition of two pieces by Ross Edwards, a lullaby Emily’s Song and the lively and joyous Djanaba. We then play an interesting arrangement of a solo guitar work, Tansman’s Variations on a theme of Scriabin; here the audience gets to enjoy Tansman’s work in greater depth and colour, providing a new listening experience of a much loved work in the guitar repertoire. 

Finally the concert closes with a celebration of Brazilian music by Clarice Assad, with her three movement Brasileirinhas. The work explores many elements of traditional Brazilian music and is an exciting virtuosic conclusion.

Tickets: $40 adults; free for children under 15.