Ziggy and Miles Johnston: World-Class Guitar Duo in Woodend for one concert

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.

Their Woodend concert draws inspiration from their time in New York City, showcasing the guitar duo’s signature strengths—intuitive interplay, seamless unity, and the remarkable ability to conjure the depth and colour of a full orchestra.

At the heart of the program is Sidekick, a playful and powerful new work by Australian composer Katie Jenkins, written especially for the brothers. Jenkins captures their spirited dynamic perfectly, describing the piece as one that “makes fun of each other but needs each other—they compete with one another but are stronger together.”

Audiences will also be treated to Ziggy and Miles’ exquisite arrangement of Claude Debussy’s Suite bergamasque, which finds new life on the guitar, highlighting its intimacy and shimmering tonal palette. The concert opens with Astor Piazzolla’s fiery Tango no.1: Deciso and closes with Radamés Gnattali’s Suite Retratos—two masterpieces of Latin American guitar music that celebrate passion, rhythm, and freedom of expression.

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!

Elizabeth Finkel launches her book Prove It

You may remember Elizabeth talking about her book in WWAF 2024. It is now published and you can hear her interview from the book launch replayed on ABC RN Big Ideas. 

Katie’s launch speech (relocated to the end) is a compelling tell-all about her battles to keep science and industry honest. 

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.