ECAS Fundraising Concert

ECHOES OF US
All profits from the concert go to supporting the Emerging Concert Artist Series. 

THE ARTISTS

Two mesmerising performers with a capacity to engage totally with the music and their audience bring to life: 

L.BEETHOVEN, Sonata for Piano & Violin No.1|C.FRANCK, Violin Sonata | M.RAVEL, Violin Sonata No. 2 |Solo Interludes &  Improvisations

Rio Xiang has won many international piano competitions and performed solo with multiple orchestras overseas. He recently placed second in the 2024 Australian National Piano Awards. Rio is also a phenomenal improviser at the keyboard, which serves as a gateway to his prolific composing. Rio has studied overseas and under the tutelage of Natalia Ricci at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Cedar Newman is well known to Southern Highland audiences and was the inaugural recipient of the Eva Pascoe Award for young instrumentalists. Cedar studies at the Manhattan School of Music with Prof. Lucie Robert and is grateful to be supported by the President's Scholarship. Cedar has performed recital programs and in chamber groups and orchestras in Australia, North America, and Europe.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

'Echoes of Us' sonata repertoire draws two instruments and often multiple voices into rich dialogue. Invariably, there are passages where one instrument leads; this is true of most dialogue. As with all conversations, sensitive listening shapes the quality of the musical response. This program begins with a Classical Sonata by Beethoven, which offers a driving yet light energy. Franck’s Sonata was a wedding gift to Eugène Ysaÿe and encapsulates the drama and fantasy of Romantic composers. Ravel’s work is innovative and eclectic, embracing new tonal colours and jazz rhythms, yet there remains a strong echoing of classical form.

ABOUT EMERGING CONCERT ARTIST SERIES

For the artists, the Series is a performance mentoring program for  Australia’s most aspiring and inspiring young musicians. With few boundaries, musicians under 26 can present 2-3 concerts forming a mini tour. Involvement in the program engages young artists in curating their program, preparing program notes, undertaking radio interviews, and providing material for social media promotion.  An exciting and unexpected outcome has been the composition of many new works, which are premiered at the concerts.  Paying young artists is an integral part of the affirmation that builds a belief in the possibility of a professional career. Since August 2022, the Series has run as a monthly program. Young artists have the opportunity to perform in two Series only. The Series has resulted in increased performance for many of our artists. 

For regional communities, the Series provides access to an incredible diversity of music performed at an extremely high level. Most concerts are entry by donation, making them accessible to all.

WHY FUNDRAISE 

The concerts are run by volunteers and are made possible by partnerships with venues.  However, presenting monthly Series in which the artists are paid and the concerts are promoted does incur costs. To ensure the program's sustainability in the future, we hope to build up a fund that supports the operation and potential expansion of the concerts to more regions in NSW. The success of the Series means that we are now fielding weekly inquires to be part of the Series and requets to host concerts from artists both in Australia and overseas.