Cellist Eleanor Streatfeild appeared as a guest artist to complete the quintet formation for works by Boccherini and Schubert.

The performance was intimate with spontaneous applause at the end of movements, and banter between the players and audience.

Much as it would have been when chamber music was first played in the homes of the wealthy in the late 1700’s.

The Bloodwood Quartet was formed in 2006 at Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has toured extensively in Australia and abroad as cultural ambassadors for Sydney University. 

Laura Curotta (viola) and Robert Jackson (cello) remain from the original quartet formation and now reside in Armidale.  They are on faculty at the New England Conservatorium of Music and perform throughout New England and the North West.  They are joined on violin by Daniel Lopez and Jason Tong, both sought after Brisbane-based musicians.  

Walcha was the fourth concert on the current tour.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm by the communities that have hosted our concerts,” said Ms Curotta. 

“Each venue has been unique - an Artshack in Wallabadah, a playhouse in Barraba, the historic School of the Arts in Deepwater and a sports club in Walcha.”

Ms Curotta explained the small size of the venues was exactly suited to their concert. 

“We are playing chamber music, which is intended to be performed in an intimate setting, so the audience can be as involved in the performance as possible,” she said.  “Chamber music is a conversation between the players - not some big arena spectacular. This is grassroots classical music. It is approachable and a fantastic first musical experience for those who have not been to a classical concert before.”  

See also

Why music can bring people together in a digital age

New England MP says Labor party has ‘no vision’ for city