Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
The Art of the Romantics
Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends
The Art of the Romantics
17–20 OCTOBER 2024 (4 DAYS) | FIVE EXCLUSIVE CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCES, INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATIONS, THREE GOURMET MEALS, WINE TASTING, 5-STAR ACCOMMODATION AND RETURN TRAVEL FROM SYDNEY
Andrew Haveron violin
Sharon Grigoryan cello
Andrew Goodwin tenor
Daniel de Borah piano
Aura Go piano
The 19th-century saw western music, art and literature explode in a burst of passionate, powerful expression we now call Romanticism. In The Art of the Romantics, five of Australia’s best-loved musicians will join us to explore musical Romanticism in five dazzling concerts, as well as sharing their own experiences of this music in intimate chats. In addition to these exclusive and intimate performances, enjoy three gourmet meals, wine tasting, 5-star accommodation in the heart of the Hunter Valley and private return travel from Sydney.
LOYALTY CLUB PRICE: AUD$4,227.50
Single supplement: AUD$685
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 17 June 2024)
Final payment due: 14 August 2024
Overview
Overview
Five performances as part of this Hayllar Chamber Music Weekend from the following incredible musicians:
Andrew Haveron violin
Sharon Grigoryan cello
Andrew Goodwin tenor
Daniel de Borah piano
Aura Go piano
Three insightful presentations by Artistic Director and music educator Graham Abbott on this era’s composers and most influential works.
Three nights’ accommodation in the beautiful 5-star Spicers Guesthouse Hunter Valley with breakfast. The standard tour package comes with a King Room. Upgrade options can be found under the Accommodation section below.
Three gourmet meals at award-winning and carefully chosen restaurants in the Hunter Valley. Guests will be joined by the musicians for the welcome and farewell dinners.
Pre-concert drinks before each of the three evening concerts.
Welcome canapés and drinks at our first afternoon presentation.
A delicious and informative wine tasting at one of the Hunter Valley’s finest wineries.
Return travel from Sydney in a private air-conditioned coach.
Attend this exciting Hayllar Chamber Music Weekend with a maximum capacity of 35 guests, experience five outstanding performances, enjoy insightful talks, stay in luxury accommodation and indulge in fine dining, all in the spectacular and restful countryside of the Hunter Valley.
Sydney-born Graham Abbott is a Music Education graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium and later studied conducting with Myer Fredman. Over more than 30 years, his conducting career has seen him work with all the major Australian orchestras, opera companies and choirs. He was Conductor-in-Residence at the University of Adelaide (1986-88), Associate Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra from 1993-97 and Musical Director of Melbourne Chorale (now MSO Chorus) 1994-97. In 1997, Graham was acting Chorus Master of the Chorus of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, during which time he conducted concerts with the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the Ulster Orchestra.
An experienced conductor of opera, Graham’s repertoire includes Fidelio, Aida, L'Elisir d'amore, Julius Caesar, Orlando, The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, La traviata, Il trovatore, Don Pasquale, Un ballo in maschera, The Pearl Fishers and Pelléas et Mélisande. He was also Assistant Conductor for the Australian premiere season of John Adams’ Nixon in China at the 1992 Adelaide Festival. Recent engagements include The Barber of Seville for State Opera South Australia, Messiah with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and returns to the Adelaide Symphony, APO, Festival of Voices, Hobart.
Graham is also one of Australia's most highly-respected music educators. He presented Keys to Music on ABC Classic from 2003 to 2017 and is in demand as a speaker and teacher around Australia. He also established Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s Unwrap the Music series and continued to conduct that series until 2022.
Spicers Guesthouse offers modern elegance in the heart of the Hunter Valley. The Guesthouse has been an iconic destination within the Hunter Valley for 39 years (circa 1984). Having undergone an 18-month revitalisation the retreat has an inviting, homely feel that envelops guests once inside. The upgrade reflects a fresh contemporary uplift while the welcoming spirit of the original Guesthouse has been preserved. Spicers Guesthouse is set within 40 acres of grounds overlooking the surrounding mountain ranges and neighbouring vineyards. Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom with a shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities.
Our standard tour cost includes a King Room.
Upgrade options are available as follows:
Upgrade to a King Deluxe for AUD$150 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
The larger King Deluxe Rooms feature a king size bed and an ensuite, located on the ground and first floor.
Upgrade to a Garden Suite for AUD$820 for the full duration of your stay (allocation exhausted).
The Garden Suites feature a king size bed, ensuite with a rain shower head and separate living area. Suites have a beautiful outlook onto the front lawn area.
Upgrade to a Hunter Suite for AUD$1,040 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Hunter Suites feature a king size bed, living room and a luxury bathroom with rain shower head and deep bath. Located on the first floor with a separate living room.
Select your upgrade option when booking below, or contact us on 02 9669 9181.
Single supplement: AUD$685
Program
Program
Schumann Kreisleriana, Op. 16
Performed by Daniel de Borah
C. Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7: Movt. II Romanze
Performed by Sharon Grigoryan and Aura Go
Elgar Sospiri, Op. 70 & La Capricieuse, Op. 17
Performed by Andrew Haveron and Daniel de Borah
Brahms Nine Lieder und Gesänge, Op. 32
Performed by Andrew Goodwin and Aura Go
Schumann Five Pieces in Folk Style, Op. 102
Performed by Sharon Grigoryan and Aura Go
Suk Four Pieces, Op. 17
Performed by Andrew Haveron and Daniel de Borah
Followed by a conversation with Sharon Grigoryan, Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah
Schumann Liederkreis, Op. 39
Performed by Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah
Brahms Six Pieces for Piano, Op. 118
Performed by Aura Go
Franck (arr. Delsart) Sonata in A for cello and piano FWV 8
Performed by Sharon Grigoryan and Daniel de Borah
Schubert Fantasy in C, D.934
Performed by Andrew Haveron and Aura Go
Followed by a conversation with Andrew Haveron and Aura Go
Ysaÿe Poème élégiaque, Op. 12
Performed by Andrew Haveron and Daniel de Borah
Chopin Preludes, Op. 28:
No. 13 in F-sharp major
No. 14 in E-flat minor
No. 15 in D-flat major (Raindrop)
No. 16 in B-flat minor
Performed by Aura Go
Tchaikovsky Why Did I Dream of You? Op. 28, No. 3
Tchaikovsky Do Not Believe Me, My Friend, Op. 6, No. 1
Tchaikovsky None but the Lonely Heart, Op. 6, No. 6
Performed by Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah
Rachmaninov Etude-Tableau in A minor, Op. 39, No. 2
Performed by Daniel de Borah
Rachmaninov The Migrant Wind, Op. 34, No. 4
Performed by Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah
Rachmaninov (arr. Kreisler) Do Not Sing, My Beauty, Op. 4, No. 4
Performed by Andrew Haveron and Daniel de Borah
Rachmaninov When Yesterday We Met, Op. 26, No. 13
Rachmaninov Do Not Believe Me, My Friend, Op. 14, No. 7
Performed by Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah
Schubert Notturno, D.897
Performed by Andrew Haveron, Sharon Grigoryan and Aura Go
Single supplement: AUD$685
Artists
Artists
Andrew Haveron joined the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as Co-Concertmaster in 2013, arriving in Sydney with a reputation as one of the most sought-after violinists of his generation. With his unrivalled versatility, he is highly respected as a soloist, chamber musician and concertmaster. As a soloist, he has played concertos with conductors such as Colin Davis, Roger Norrington, Jiří Bělohlávek, Stanisław Skrowaczewski and John Wilson, as well as David Robertson, performing a broad range of well-known and less familiar repertoire with many of the UK's finest orchestras.
As first violinist of the internationally acclaimed Brodsky Quartet (1999-2007), his work included collaborations with artists ranging from Anne-Sofie von Otter and Alexander Baillie to iconic crossover work with Elvis Costello, Björk, Paul McCartney and Sting. He recorded more than 15 albums with the quartet, many of which won awards such as Diapason d'or and Choc du Monde de la Musique. He has also appeared with numerous other chamber groups, such as the Nash and Hebrides ensembles, the Logos Chamber Group, Kathy Selby, and the Omega Ensemble.
Andrew Haveron is in great demand as a concertmaster and director, and has worked with all the major symphony orchestras in the UK and many others around the world. In 2007 he became concertmaster of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and in 2012 he joined the Philharmonia Orchestra. He also led the World Orchestra for Peace at the request of Valery Gergiev, and he has been the leader of the John Wilson Orchestra since its inception. Born in London in 1975, Andrew Haveron studied at the Purcell School and the Royal College of Music and in 1996 was the highest British prize winner at the Paganini Competition for the past 50 years. In 2004 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Kent for his services to music. Andrew Haveron plays a 1757 Guadagnini violin, generously loaned to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra by Vicki Olsson.
Cellist Sharon Grigoryan moved to Adelaide in 2013 to take up the position as cellist with the Australian String Quartet - a position she held until December 2020. Prior to this, she was a member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, and has been guest principal cellist of many of the Australian orchestras. From 2011 Sharon toured regularly, both nationally and internationally with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and whilst living in Berlin in 2012 Sharon toured Europe with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Spira Mirabilis Chamber Orchestra. Sharon was the artistic director of the Barossa, Baroque and Beyond festival, has performed with the Australian World Orchestra since 2015, and plays in a duo with guitarist and husband Slava Grigoryan.
Andrew Goodwin has appeared with opera companies in Europe, the UK, Asia and Australia, including the Bolshoi Opera, Gran Theatre Liceu Barcelona, Teatro Real Madrid, La Scala Milan, Opera Australia, Pinchgut Opera and Sydney Chamber Opera.
He has performed with the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Moscow and Melbourne Chamber Orchestras, all the Australian Symphony orchestras, and has given recitals at Wigmore Hall, and Oxford Lieder, Port Fairy, Huntington, Coriole, Bendigo, Huntington and Canberra International Music Festivals.
Andrew’s performances this year include returns to Adelaide Festival as Renaud in Stravinksy’s The Nightingale and Other Fables, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for Elijah, Melbourne Bach Choir for Bach’s Easter and Ascension Oratorios, and each of the Australian Symphony orchestras in repertoire ranging from Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem and Haydn’s Harmony Mass to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Orff’s Carmina Burana.
His most recent engagements include Mozart Requiem (Sydney Philharmonia and the MSO,TSO and QSO); Evangelist, St Matthew Passion (Melbourne Bach Choir); Haydn’s Creation (CIMF and Australian Haydn Ensemble); Messiah (Canberra, Melbourne, Queensland, New Zealand Symphony Orchestras); Hayllar Music Tours; and Nativity, (Mills) with the ASO. Recent opera roles include Janik in The Diary of One Who Disappeared (Janacek) with Sydney Chamber Opera, Lysander in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Adelaide Festival and Jacquino (Fidelio) with West Australian Symphony.
Andrew studied voice at the St Petersburg Conservatory with Professor Lev Morozov, graduating with a Bachelor of Music and with Robert Dean in the UK and is the winner of many awards and scholarships including the Tait Memorial Trust Scholarship, the Martin Bequest Travelling Scholarship, the Sir Robert Askin Operatic Travelling Scholarship, and the Australian Opera Auditions Committee Joan Sutherland Richard Bonynge Scholarship.
Aura Go is an Australian pianist whose practice encompasses performance, collaboration, curation, education and artistic research. She performs across the globe, as soloist in concertos from J.S. Bach to Sofia Gubaidulina, as recitalist and chamber musician in programs that interweave old and new music, and as creative collaborator in the development of new music and multi-artform projects. In recent reasons, Aura has worked as concerto soloist with orchestras such as the Melbourne, Adelaide and Queensland Symphony Orchestras, Tapiola Sinfonietta, the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria. Aura has performed at international festivals including the Edinburgh Festival, Melbourne International Arts Festival, Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, PianoEspoo, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Metropolis Festival, and the Musica Viva Festival.
With pianist Tomoe Kawabata, Aura is a member of the acclaimed KIAZMA Piano Duo. Their CD Five Rocks in a Japanese Garden features first recordings of four-hand and two-piano works by significant Japanese composers. Other projects include a reimagining of J.S. Bach’s The Art of Fugue for two pianists, a new interdisciplinary work One Space One, and the commissioning of new work, most recently Holly Harrison’s Crunch (2021). Aura also enjoys regular collaboration with cellist Timo-Veikko Valve (Australian Chamber Orchestra), with whom she has curated and presented recitals across Australia. Recently, Aura took a leading role as pianist-actor in the filmed stage adaptation of Paul Kildea's book Chopin's Piano, directed and co-written by Richard Pyros. Chopin’s Piano toured nationally for Musica Viva Australia in 2023.
Daniel de Borah is recognised as one of Australia’s foremost musicians, consistently praised for the grace, finesse and imaginative intelligence of his performances. His wide-ranging performance schedule finds him equally at home as concerto soloist, recitalist and chamber musician. Since his prize-winning appearances at the 2004 Sydney International Piano Competition, Daniel has given recitals on four continents and toured extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Australia. As a concerto soloist he has appeared with the English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland Symphony Orchestras. An avid chamber musician, he has enjoyed fruitful collaborations with many leading soloists including Vadim Gluzman, Baiba Skride, Li-Wei Qin, Umberto Clerici, Nicolas Altstaedt, Roderick Williams, Steve Davislim and Andrew Goodwin. Daniel studied at the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, the St. Petersburg State Conservatory and the Royal Academy of Music, London. He now lives in Brisbane where he serves as Head of Chamber Music at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University.
Itinerary
Itinerary
1ST OF 3 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
SYDNEY CENTRAL STATION AND SYDNEY DOMESTIC AIRPORT TO HUNTER VALLEY:
Guests are collected by private air-conditioned coach. The coach will make one stop at Sydney Central Station at 11:30am and a second stop at Sydney Domestic Airport at 12:00pm. We then travel north from Sydney to the picturesque Hunter Valley.
After arriving at the relaxed and luxurious 5-star Spicers Guesthouse in the heart of the Hunter Valley and checking into our rooms, we gather on the Tallawanta Terrace with its pastoral views of the surrounding 40-acre grounds. There we are welcomed with drinks, including local wines, and antipasto sharing plates.
Our Artistic Director and music educator Graham Abbott then begins our musical exploration for the weekend into the history and repertoire of the Romantic period.
Following the presentation by Graham, we move to the beautiful Lovedale Room for our first exclusive performance from our five incredible musicians.
CONCERT I - Evening Concert
Schumann Kreisleriana, Op. 16
Performed by Daniel de Borah
C. Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7: Movt. II Romanze
Performed by Sharon Grigoryan and Aura Go
Elgar Sospiri, Op. 70 & La Capricieuse, Op. 17
Performed by Andrew Haveron and Daniel de Borah
Brahms Nine Lieder und Gesänge, Op. 32
Performed by Andrew Goodwin and Aura Go
Following the concert, we enjoy the first of our three gourmet meals together, with a sumptuous dinner served with local Hunter Valley wines. We have the wonderful opportunity of being joined by the musicians, Andrew Haveron, Sharon Grigoryan, Andrew Goodwin, Aura Go and Daniel de Borah, for this welcome meal.
After dinner, guests may like to move over to the cosy Spicers Guesthouse lounge for a seat by the fire to discuss this evening’s performance, or return to their well-appointed and comfortable rooms ahead of a busy day tomorrow.
2ND OF 3 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
HUNTER VALLEY:
Following breakfast in the stylish hotel restaurant, we gather for our second presentation on the music and composers of the Romantic era with Graham Abbott. Morning tea is served following this morning’s lecture. Following morning tea, we move back to the Lovedale Room where we enjoy the second of our exclusive performances, paired with a discussion with our musicians.
CONCERT II - Morning Concert Conversation
Schumann Five Pieces in Folk Style, Op. 102
Performed by Sharon Grigoryan and Aura Go
Suk Four Pieces, Op. 17
Performed by Andrew Haveron and Daniel de Borah
Followed by a conversation with Sharon Grigoryan, Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah
After our morning presentation and concert, we enjoy a scenic drive through the Hunter Valley to an award-winning restaurant, where we have a delicious lunch and we enjoy views of the surrounding vines.
After lunch, we return to Spicers Guesthouse for some free time, possibly including a short rest ahead of tonight’s concert.
In the early evening we gather for pre-concert drinks on the Lovedale Lawn before enjoying our third exclusive performance. Following the concert, the rest of the evening is free and dinner is independent.
CONCERT III - Evening Concert
Schumann Liederkreis, Op. 39
Performed by Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah
Brahms Six Pieces for Piano, Op. 118
Performed by Aura Go
Franck (arr. Delsart) Sonata in A for cello and piano FWV 8
Performed by Sharon Grigoryan and Daniel de Borah
3RD OF 3 NIGHTS AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
HUNTER VALLEY:
After breakfast, we gather for our third and final exploration of the music and history of the Romantic period with Artistic Director Graham Abbott. The presentation will once again be followed by morning tea. After morning tea, we enjoy our fourth concert with both a wonderful performance and a conversation with our incredible musicians. After the concert, time is allowed for lunch at the hotel.
CONCERT IV - Morning Concert Conversation
Schubert Fantasy in C, D.934
Performed by Andrew Haveron and Aura Go
Followed by a conversation with Andrew Haveron and Aura Go
In the afternoon we take a short drive through the Hunter Valley for an exclusive wine-tasting at one of the Hunter Valley’s most distinguished wineries.
After our tasting, we return to the hotel for a short rest ahead of tonight’s final concert. You might like to explore the picturesque grounds or relax by the pool.
This evening, we gather for the final time on the Lovedale Lawn for a pre-concert drink, before we enjoy the fifth and final performance of our wonderful weekend of music.
CONCERT V - Evening Concert
Ysaÿe Poème élégiaque, Op. 12
Performed by Andrew Haveron and Daniel de Borah
Chopin Preludes, Op. 28:
No. 13 in F-sharp major
No. 14 in E-flat minor
No. 15 in D-flat major (Raindrop)
No. 16 in B-flat minor
Performed by Aura Go
Tchaikovsky Why Did I Dream of You? Op. 28, No. 3
Tchaikovsky Do Not Believe Me, My Friend, Op. 6, No. 1
Tchaikovsky None but the Lonely Heart, Op. 6, No. 6
Performed by Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah
Rachmaninov Etude-Tableau in A minor, Op. 39, No. 2
Performed by Daniel de Borah
Rachmaninov The Migrant Wind, Op. 34, No. 4
Performed by Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah
Rachmaninov (arr. Kreisler) Do Not Sing, My Beauty, Op. 4, No. 4
Performed by Andrew Haveron and Daniel de Borah
Rachmaninov When Yesterday We Met, Op. 26, No. 13
Rachmaninov Do Not Believe Me, My Friend, Op. 14, No. 7
Performed by Andrew Goodwin and Daniel de Borah
Schubert Notturno, D.897
Performed by Andrew Haveron, Sharon Grigoryan and Aura Go
Afterwards we enjoy our farewell meal together at another of the Hunter Valley’s finest restaurants. Once again, we will be joined by the musicians and our Artistic Director, Graham Abbott.
HUNTER VALLEY TO SYDNEY DOMESTIC AIRPORT AND CENTRAL STATION:
Following our final breakfast at Spicers Guesthouse we travel in our private coach back to Sydney. We will arrive at Sydney Domestic Airport at approximately 1:00pm and Sydney Central Station at approximately 1:30pm.
Inclusions
Inclusions
Single supplement: AUD$685
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 17 June 2024)
Final payment due: 14 August 2024
Performances: Five unique and intimate performances from some of Australia’s finest musicians.
Talks on the Music: Three presentations on the music from Artistic Director Graham Abbott.
Tour Managers: Services of two experienced tour managers throughout.
Hotel: Three nights' accommodation at the luxurious 5-star Spicers Guesthouse Hunter Valley. The standard tour package comes with a King Room. Upgrade options are available as follows:
Upgrade to a King Deluxe for AUD$150 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
The larger King Deluxe Rooms feature a king size bed and an ensuite, located on the ground and first floor.
Upgrade to a Garden Suite for AUD$820 for the full duration of your stay (allocation exhausted).
The Garden Suites feature a king size bed, ensuite with a rain shower head and separate living area. Suites have a beautiful outlook onto the front lawn area.
Upgrade to a Hunter Suite for AUD$1,040 for the full duration of your stay (subject to availability).
Hunter Suites feature a king size bed, living room and a luxury bathroom with rain shower head and deep bath. Located on the first floor with a separate living room.
Travel: One private air-conditioned coach transfer from/to Sydney Central Station and Sydney Domestic Airport. Land travel by private air-conditioned coach throughout the weekend.
Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning. Three lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee. Welcome drinks and canapés, morning tea at the two morning lectures, wine tasting and pre-performance drinks before the three evening concerts.
Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for all excursions and activities as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides at some sites.
Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.
Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.
International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com
Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from your local airport at the beginning and end of the tour. These can be arranged at an additional cost. One private air-conditioned coach from/to Central Station and Sydney Domestic Airport is included in the tour price.
Travel Insurance: Please note that travel insurance is recommended for tours within Australia. Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com
Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.
Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.
The weekend will operate with a minimum of 20 people. The maximum number at the Hayllar Chamber Music Weekends will be 35 people.
All members of the group must feel comfortable walking for short distances between hotel rooms and venues, and embarking/disembarking coaches.
Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.
Booking
Booking