The Valla Beach Holiday Park’s historic Woolshed is set to host two spectacular events, including the world premiere of David John Roche’s Ukulele Concerto. The performance will feature The Australian Ukulele Orchestra and British virtuoso Samantha Muir in a live concert that promises to showcase ukulele music like never before.
Musicians from various parts of Australia are flying in for this exceptional event, and local residents are offered discounted tickets for the world premiere, scheduled for Saturday, October 14th, at 6:45 pm, with door tickets priced at $35.
This unique concert promises to go beyond the typical ukulele tunes, featuring highly skilled musicians playing live music on finely tuned instruments crafted by top luthiers worldwide. Samantha Muir, an award-winning musical genius from the Royal College of Music, London, will be a highlight of the performance. She holds the distinction of being the first person awarded a PhD in Classical Ukulele and is renowned for her accomplishments as a musician, composer, and teacher.
The Australian Ukulele Orchestra, comprising nine of Australia’s top east coast players, will showcase a wide range of musicianship, including various ukulele variations, vocals, bass, banjo, and percussion. Their musical director, Ian Porter, is known for creating technically challenging and complex arrangements of well-known pieces, offering audiences a thrilling experience of high-quality acoustic music spanning from Renaissance classical to modern pop classics.
The concert will also feature other lively acts, including the local band “The Wild Women of Anywhere Beach,” launching their latest album “Wild Places,” and Brisbane’s vibrant band “Mama Juju and the Jam Tarts.”
The second event, a Celebrity Concert on Friday, October 13th, at 7 pm, will include performances by the local ukulele jazz ensemble “Blue Gum Blossom,” the Melbourne duo “Green Fieldz,” Newcastle’s “Jack n Jel n Mac n Wal Quartet,” and Valla’s own “Snez & Stewart.” Samantha Muir will also have a brief set in this concert.
Both events are part of the Valla Beach Ukulele Camp, taking place from October 13th to 16th, 2023. The weekend also includes a free Beach Party Jam Session on South Valla Beach on Sunday, October 15th, from 12:30 pm, featuring Jam Queen Jackie Anifandis and local and visiting musicians.
These events promise a unique musical experience and a celebration of the ukulele’s versatility and charm in the beautiful setting of Valla Beach.
