Music / National Folk Festival Opening Concert. At Epic, April 6. Reviewed by CASSIDY RICHENS.

THE opening concert program presented a mixture of local, national and international, duos, bands and solo acts performing traditional and contemporary folk songs and tunes.

Representing folk cultures from across the world, the musicality of performers was superb. Technical production was also excellent. The venue was full, and the audience was engaged and enthusiastic.

The “ACT Emergency Services Agency Pipe Band” performed tunes from the Scottish Highland tradition while marching in formation through the Budawang Pavilion. A well-received exciting start to the concert.

Equally animated, Australian tunes band Austral, performed a set of Irish jigs that had people up on their feet dancing. New to the festival circuit, this Victorian-based band comprising Angus Barbary, Caity Brennan, Rhys Crimmin and Connor Hoy, offered a lively Celtic sound with a splash of comedy, noted in their quirky rendition of a much-loved Andy Irvine song given the Austral Aussie twist.

Kavisha Mazzella delivered a solo set of four songs with warmth and ease, indicative of her long-standing career on folk stages around the world. Mazzella’s “Victoria Markets” was wonderful. A call-and-response song, complete with mouth trumpet, a hint of yodelling, and a catchy chorus. The audience was signing in no time.

Pitjantjatjara man, Frank Yamma generated a more thoughtful tone with his performance of songs of protection, heartache and love.

Sydney-based Ukrainian Soprano Larissa Kovalchu performed songs from her portrayal of “The Soul of Ukraine”, after a meaningful introduction by festival director, Chris Grange. Singing Ukrainian folk songs of love and peace, Kovalchuk also played the Bandura, a traditional Ukrainian stringed instrument and the national symbol of Ukraine.

Comic relief and a highlight of the concert, The Lost Clogs performed Lithuanian songs with humorous themes and great harmonies. Dressed in colourful Lithuanian folk costumes, their performances were further amplified with props and theatrical components, dancing and cheeky narratives. The audience laughed often and with gusto. This 10-piece vocal group from Melbourne was a delightful surprise.

Lindsay Martin’s recognisable sound on mandolin and fiddle, alongside Victoria Vigenser’s rich voice and acoustic guitar was another highlight. Their voices harmonised beautifully in well-written songs with honest lyrics. We Mavericks could be the talk of the festival!

Recalling performance at the National six years ago and their 20-hour journey to get here, Apodimi Compania were delighted to be back on the festival’s main stage performing “Rebetika” urban folk songs and Greek and Cretan dance music on bouzouki, violin, baglama, percussion and guitar. Originating in Brunswick, Melbourne and now residing in Athens, this five-piece band features Yiannis Niarhos, Chrysoula Kechagioglou, Vangelis Votteas, Manolis and George Galiastos. Moving from melancholy to exaltation in one breath, they offered an unparalleled opportunity to experience the music of rural Greece.

A well rounded, eye-opening, and most enjoyable beginning to the 55^th National Folk Festival.