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INJURY has forced a talent exchange for next month’s Bendigo International Festival Of Exploratory Music.
Festival artistic director David Chisholm said an ongoing injury had forced cellist Blair Harris to withdraw from the festival nine days out from the first rehearsal on doctor’s advice.
“BIFEM fully supports Blair’s decision and while are truly sad to lose him from the company, his health must take priority. We wish him the speediest recovery,” Mr Chisholm said
‘’Blair was due to perform as part of Argonaut, BIFEM’s resident ensemble, in a rare performance of Gerard Grisey’s masterpiece Vortex Temporum. The 55-minute work is extremely complex and only the most virtuosic musicians can tackle this music well prepared, let alone with little to no notice.’’
Mr Chisholm said fate had smiled upon the festival with renowned cellist Elena Cheach holidaying in Australia.
‘’The extraordinary US born, German based cellist Elena Cheach took a call from fellow Argonaut Erkki Veltheim. The rest is about to be history. BIFEM and Argonaut heartily welcome Elena on board,’’ he said.
‘’She will join an exceptional group of musicians – Peter de Jager (Melbourne), Eric Lamb (Vienna), Ashley Smith (Perth), Erkki Veltheim (Melbourne) and Patrick Schleuter (Geneva) - all under the baton of 2014 Nestlé and Salzburg Festival Young Conductor of the Year Maxime Pascal (Paris).’’
Mr Chisholm said the second Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music would feature major Australian premieres and several world premieres.
‘’BIFEM is unquestionably Australia’s most exciting new platform for virtuosity and innovation,’’ he said.
BIFEM 2014 runs from September 5 to September 7 with a program and more information on the event at www.bifem.com.au