Melba's musical legacy celebrated in the Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley will play host to the third annual Melba Festival on the weekend of 14-16 March 2008, with a series of performances by leading Australian classical artists at various wineries and restaurants.
The festival pays homage to one of Australia's most famous opera singers - Dame Nellie Melba - who grew up in the region. Her childhood home is situated in the heart of the Yarra Valley, on the Melba Highway.
Performances by leading classical and contemporary artists such as Rhonda Burchmore, who will appear at Rochford winery, will provide a varied festival program.
“We're very excited about the Melba Festival, which will bring fine music to people visiting the Yarra Valley. The musical program is one of the best in the country and we expect in excess of 3,500 visitors to the region over the three-day festival,” said Jennifer Hutchison, CEO of Yarra Valley and The Dandenongs Marketing.
The musical program includes: a grand opening piano recital by James Brawn at Domaine Chandon; classical guitar performances by Leonard and Slava Grigoryan; the Flinders Quartet accompanied by pianist Kristian Chong; 14 year-old violinist Kana Ohashi with Amir Farid; The Constanze Trio; singer Rhonda Burchmore at Rochford Wines outdoor amphitheatre; and French cabaret singer Sylvie Boisel at Balgownie Estate.
This year a Melba menu of a two-course lunch with a glass of wine has been incorporated into the price of the festival tickets at most wineries staging a performance.
Visit www.melbafestival.com.au to view a copy of the full festival program.
Tickets start from $27.50 per person (with most performances inclusive of two-course lunch with glass of wine) and can be purchased on the website or on 1300 765 584.
Media contact: Leanne Tyrrell, Tyrrell Publicity & Promotions, on (03) 9629 7000