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Canberra Today 14°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Magic dust saves the show

[box]MUSIC “Brazilian Guitar Magic” Belconnen Arts Centre, July 2. Reviewed by Ian McLean[/box]

Guilherme Vincens performed as part of Brazilian Guitar Magic.
Guilherme Vincens performed as part of Brazilian Guitar Magic.

THE performance space was filled to capacity and staff caught by surprise when the “walk up” audience exceeded those who had pre-booked.

Consequently production values were inadequate and short of expectation for a professional performance presentation.

The concert itself then commenced inauspiciously with an under-rehearsed, out-of-context and superfluous work aimed at linking this concert with NAIDOC Week.

Thankfully, some magic dust was sprinkled with the arrival of Guilherme Vincens who performed a 30-minute set for solo guitar. While technically outstanding, it was his ability to create imagery that enchanted and mesmerised as he floated from Spanish wheat fields to South American city suburbs in a gentle, mellow manner. “Desifinado” was brilliant and, while I expected Latin fire and passion, particularly in the Piazolla pieces, I was strangely content to be calmed and relaxed.

Jobim was a feature after an interval where home-cooked Brazilian fare had been a popular addition. The gentle flavour continued with the haunting flute and sweet voice of Cicilia Kemezys and the well-matched guitar of Milena Cifali joining Guilherme for more easy going artistry.

Of note was a beautiful interpretation of “The Girl from Ipanema” and the premiere of “Beautiful Spain” by Canberra-based composer Jesmond Grixti.

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Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

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