Greg Dikmans on flute and Lucinda Moon on violin perform during ‘The Art of Elegant Conversation’ – 18th century solos and duos for flute and violin – at one of the Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields festival events. PICTURE: JUSTIN WHITELOCK
The Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields festival wrapped up last night after 10 days of classical music performances from around the world.
Classical music enthusiasts travelled from around Australia to see some of the world’s most talented performers, live in Ballarat.
Treasurer Voi Williams said the festival had had very good feedback, with more first-timers visiting the event this year.
“People have commented that the program is the best ever,” she said.
“It went really well. With a large new audience the reputation of the festival is spreading, with people coming from both Victoria and interstate.
“A lot of new people visited the festival for the first time this year, which is very encouraging.”
The 18th annual festival has proven to be another success, with crowds enjoying the program and already looking forward to next year’s event.
“We have had very good numbers, with at least as many people as last year,” Mrs Williams said.
“The number of people at each event was hitting maximum.”
Mrs Williams said Ballarat was fortunate to have such a world-class event as the organs festival.
“The festival is quite unique, with pipe organs and various world-class performers – it is what attracts people,” she said.
“The music was of very high standards.With a renowned group of international and Australian artists the recipe was fail-proof.”
A major aim of this year’s event was to attract a more diverse age group to the festival, which Mrs Williams said would continue to grow in the coming years.
“There are indications it will continue to grow,” she said. “Some people have already re-booked their accommodation for next year.
“We had very excited young people who want to come back next year.”
alicia.thomas@fairfaxmedia.com.au