Melbourne chamber music finally comes to Cowes

Join Melbourne chamber music group Julie Houghton and Friends for an afternoon of popular vocal classics, music theatre, Gilbert and Sullivan, piano duets and more.

The event, called Beyond the Sea, will be on Sunday, February 13 at 3pm at St John’s Uniting Church, Chapel Street Cowes.

Julie said due to Covid, this was their third attempt in 16 months to stage the concert on Phillip Island.

“I have been spending time on the island for decades and am thrilled to be bringing my singers and pianist here,” Julie said.

“If you enjoy leaving a concert humming the tunes, this is the show for you. There will be highlights from well-known operas, classical music theatre, parlour songs and some piano mastery for two and four hands.”

Julie said performers in the concert would include accompanist and solo artist David McNicol, a sought-after classical accompanist who studied in London with eminent pianist Geoffrey Parsons.

Soprano Suzanne Shakespeare enjoyed a stellar career on the opera stages of Britain, with many concert appearances at the Albert Hall.

“Since retiring to Australia a few years ago with her young family, she is in demand for opera, oratorio and concert work.”

Baritone Christian Smith is Melbourne-born but sang professionally in England on the cathedral and oratorio circuit.

“He was a lay clerk (professional chorister) at Croydon Minster, appeared as soloist on BBC Radio Three and made his debut as Messiah bass soloist with the London Mozart players.

“He was the runner-up of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic in 2018 and has now returned to Melbourne as a freelance singer, and maths teacher at Melbourne Girls’ Grammar.”

Julie said she was a professional voice actor and compere, and “the driving force” behind chamber music group Julie Houghton and Friends.

The concert will be followed by afternoon tea.

Tickets for double vaccinated concertgoers only are $25 or $20 concession and can be bought at the door or booked by ringing Gayle 0429 821 671.