Society Information

The Brew Guitar Duo (Matthew Withers and Bradley Kunda) has been delighting audiences throughout Australia for some seven years with its impeccable ensemble skills and captivating stage presence. Bradley and Matt are graduates of the Australian National University School of Music where they studied with renowned teacher and performer Timothy Kain. In 2006, the duo was awarded first prize in both the ‘Instrumental Duo’ and ‘Chamber Music with Guitar’ divisions of the McDonald’s Performing Arts Challenge (formerly Sydney Eisteddfod).

Based in Canberra the duo also comprises one half of Guitar Trek. This program will include a selection of works from their new CD, Songs and Dances, an eclectic and entertaining mix of Falla, Lennon/McCartney and Ralph McTell.

Join us for an exhilarating night of guitar music featuring the CGS Orchestra and Ensemble, the Sydney Conservatorium Guitar Ensemble and other guest orchestras. The Society's orchestra and ensemble are professionally directed and provide a performance platform for talented young professionals and accomplished amateurs alike. With a repertoire that is fun to play and listen to, including new compositions and arrangements by Australian composers, these concerts are always immensely popular with our audiences. Don't miss this chance to experience the unique sounds of the guitar orchestra.

This first class duo joined forces in 1999 and performs music from a wide variety of styles. Born in New Zealand, John Couch is currently based in Canberra, where he studied with Timothy Kain. In 2001 he became the first guitarist to win the Gisborne International Music Competition for Orchestral Instruments, and in 2002 he won the Australian Guitar Competition.

John has toured extensively throughout Australasia and internationally. He has released two solo CDs, A Fairytale…with Variations, featuring contemporary guitar music from around the world, and Desdemona’s Song, a collection of guitar favourites. Australian-born Judith Hickel has won prizes at international competitions in Russia and New Zealand. The duo’s CD Andre’s New Shoes celebrates ten years of musical collaboration and has been widely praised by critics and peers.

“This CD is a real winner… highly recommended”, Tim Kain.

A passionate and expressive style coupled with a formidable technique has garnered international attention for Simon Powis as a talented soloist, chamber musician and innovator. After completing his studies at the Sydney Conservatorium, Simon travelled throughout Europe, studying with some of the world’s most renowned virtuosi including David Russell and Pavel Steidl. He undertook a Masters of Music at Yale on a full scholarship, studying with distinguished guitarist/composer Ben Verdery, and was the first guitarist in over two decades to undertake doctoral studies at this prestigious institution.

Simon has toured extensively as a soloist, with performances in the Kennedy Centre (Washington D.C) and the Banff Centre for the Arts (Canada). Simon is devoted to performing new music and has premiered over 30 new works. This program will include the ground-breaking Due Canzoni Lidie by contemporary Italian composer Nuccio D’Angelo, plus a varied selection of works by Scarlatti, Albeniz, Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Jorge Morel.

As all concerts start at 8.00pm sharp you are invited to be at the theatre by 7.45pm to ensure that the performance commences on time. You may also wish to arrive earlier to enjoy a drink before the concert at The Independent Bar which is open from 7.00pm.

Ticket Prices $28 full, $22 concession, $22 CGS members
(Credit Card transaction fee applies)

Bookings: The Independent Box Office (02) 8019 0290 ($3.50 booking fee applies)
or book online without a booking fee at www.theindependent.org.au.

CGS Members Prime seats at concession rates - www.theindependent.org.au using your electronic I.D. number. Check with Phil Samuel for details.