THE Tyalgum Festival of Classical Music artistic director Jenni Hibbard is encouraging locals to ‘vote for classical music’ by attending this year’s festival from 6-8 September at Tyalgum west of Murwillumbah.
“We have got some great concerts scheduled at the Tyalgum Village Hall on election day, and the venue is only a very short walk from the polling place at Tyalgum Public School,” Ms Hibbard said.
“Choosing who to vote for might be a difficult choice, but enjoying world class music at the Tyalgum festival is simply inspired.”
Ms Hibbard said the theme of this year’s festival was the “history of the piano”, but that Saturday would also include three of Australia’s most feted classical guitarists on stage with didgeridoo and cello which would prove popular even with people who do not regularly listen to classical music.
“The program we have put together will appeal to all ages and tastes, so I really encourage everyone to show up,” Ms Hibbard said.
“The festival committee is strictly apolitical of course, but we have invited the state and federal arts ministers and the Federal Shadow Minister for the Arts to speak briefly before the first concert on Friday evening.”
“The Federal Labor Government and the Coalition State Government have both been generous in their support for the festival over many years. Without their funding, we could not hold this wonderful event,” Ms Hibbard said.
“This flagship event is a good local investment as we believe the 600-800 attendees will spend over $200,000 in the local economy over the festival weekend.”
