It's almost time! Are you coming to see Ziggy and Miles in Woodend?

Now based in New York, the Johnston brothers have been hailed for their “deeply considered musicianship, immaculate care and superlative technique” (5MBS). Winners of the 2023 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, they are rapidly earning a reputation as two of Australia’s finest young musicians on the global stage.

Inspired by their time living in New York City, brothers Ziggy & Miles present a program that demonstrates the guitar duo's unique strengths: its chamber music-like interplay, ability to sound as a unified entity, and capacity to evoke the rich colours of a full orchestra. 

Written for the brothers, the title piece of this concert, Sidekick by Katie Jenkins, intentionally inflates and satires the brothers’ relationship with musical bickering and sparring virtuosity. She writes “They make fun of each other but need each other, they compete with one another but are stronger together. Sidekick satires their unbreakably strong but at times hilarious brotherly dynamic.” This concert also features the brother’s arrangement of Claude Debussy’s Suite bergamasque. Through their arrangement, Debussy’s timeless classic finds a natural home on the guitar through its similar focus toward intimacy and colour. Bookending the concert are two of the most important guitar duo pieces from Latin America. Beginning with Astor Piazzolla’s fiery Tango no.1: Deciso from the Tango Suite, and finishing with Radamés Gnattali’s Suite Retratos, both works are masterclasses in guitar chamber music and interpretive freedom. 

When: Saturday, November 15 at 2:30pm
Where: St Ambrose Church, Woodend

All proceeds from this concert will go directly to supporting the Woodend Winter Arts Festival, helping us continue to bring exceptional music, art, and ideas to our community each year.

Come and experience the magic of two extraordinary musicians at the height of their craft—right here in the heart of Woodend.

Book early—this is one concert not to be missed!

In addition we are already selling tickets for our Carols event this year. If you get tickets to both concerts now you can save on booking fees!

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

When: Sunday, November 14 at 2:00pm
Where: St Dominic’s Catholic Chuch, 816 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell

Händel's perennially popular oratorio, The Messiah, describes the Nativity, Passion, Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and contains some of the most moving and uplifting music ever written. The performance will be directed by musicologist and organist, John O'Donnell, with Australia's foremost baroque violinist, Lucinda Moon, leading an orchestra of some of Melbourne's most distinguished early-music instrumentalists including Jacqueline Ogeil on the organ. Soloists will be drawn from the Melbourne Octet, members of which sing for the Victorian Opera, Opera Australia, the Consort of Melbourne, The Song Company and other well-known ensembles. All are welcome to join in the Hallelujah Chorus!

For more information see stdominicsmessiah.org or melbourneoctet.com.

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is a registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate here or visit our website for more information on how to donate.