BALMORAL BATHERS REVAMP COMING

THE RESTAURANT EMPIRE WORTH A CHAT

But as part of Willoughby Council’s Vivid program, which launches on May 24, the globally acclaimed musicians will come together for the world premiere of a new piano concerto especially composed by Kate, for her longtime friend Vivian.

To make it happen, Kate has left The Netherlands, where she has lived for the last 17 years, and Vivian has flown in from her New York home.

They both turn 40 this year, and the music is Kate’s gift to her dear friend.

“It’s a very important piece because it is like a gift for Vivian, to be presented in the place we come from,” Kate said.

“We used to preform at the Willoughby Town Hall before it was replaced by The Concourse — which is just unbelievably amazing — so I am very happy about that.

“And we both reach a milestone birthday this year, so it’s a record of how much music has meant to us.

“And we come back together in our homeland to do that.”

Growing up in Lane Cove, Kate went to Lane Cove Public School and started playing the piano when she was six, and the cello when she was 10. She continued studying music at Ravenswood, and went on to complete masters degrees from both The Canberra School of Music and The Royal Conservatory of The Hague. In 2017 she was the recipient of the Matthijs Vermeulen Prize, the most prestigious Dutch prize for composers, for her work The Dam, commissioned for The Canberra International Festival.

“I was almost going to study Latin instead of music but at the very last minute I had a strong inner urge to change courses, so I ran to the careers office and changed subjects,” she laughed.

“I loved music so much, it has such a profound effect on me and of course I thrived in the music department in high school, and I was in a class with Vivian Choi.

“We were in a chamber trio when we were 12 and because of that I learned so much from a very early age, and from her directly.

“When I went to study music I wanted to get better, and get to know it more and how it could be so powerful — I wanted to understand that magic somehow.

“I am honoured to still be a musician and I am honoured that I can make my life about the thing I think is the most beautiful human creation. It’s perfect.”

Their concerts will be held at The Concourse on June 1 and 2 as part of Vivid Sydney, the largest Festival of Light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere. Vivid will bring Chatswood to life with spectacular large-scale light installations and projections, contemporary and cutting-edge music performances and collaborations, public talks by renowned thought leaders, industry seminars, conferences and creativity workshops, from May 24 to June 15.

Inspired by the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, Vivid Sydney at Chatswood will reflect iconic values of love, peace and harmony, showcasing innovative, cutting-edge techniques.

“We are delighted to once again be part of the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere,” said Willoughby Council Mayor, Gail Giles-Gidney.

“We are confident that we have delivered our best ever event showcasing world class talent, reflecting the cultural diversity of the area.”

Every night, The Concourse will light up with the festival’s hero light projection from Hungarian artist collective Limelight Academy, the world-pioneer in cutting edge 3D projection mapping.

The collective, along with a mentored selection of emerging talent from Belgium, Vietnam, Germany, Korea, Slovakia and Australia, have produced exclusive, modern artistic content specific to the Chatswood CBD precinct.

A sensory walk created by over 35 visual artists will display light installations throughout the precinct’s laneways and unique public spaces. Highlights include Trumpet Flowers, a giant interactive musical light garden at Chatswood Mall, with artist Simone Chua passionate about creating engaging, inclusive, playful works in various experimental forms.

“At Vivid Chatswood artists are able to transform environments into memorable experiences which invite real audience interaction,” she said. “There is no greater reward than seeing your artwork bring joy to so many.”

You can see the grand Cascading Harp at Chatswood Interchange and enjoy Listen to the World, a larger-than-life heart sculpture made from recycled materials.

Another art installation sure to captivate children is Woodie, the free-moving robot, who draws on the ground with luminescent chalk, located at Mills Lane.

Families can also enjoy the 22m high Bella Vista Ferris Wheel beautifully lit with LEDs, located on Spring Street.

Vivid Music will showcase quality international acts at The Concourse, with other performing artists including jazz singer Vince Jones, and lead singer Lisa Fischer with her band Grand Baton, who will bring a dose of New York jazz, rock, gospel and pop to the stage.

Concert And Love Will Steer The Stars on May 25 will see rock meet classical music with songs that capture the optimism of the revolutionary year 1969.

Vivid Ideas explores the most pressing topics of our era and is designed to challenge, excite and motivate. Join the free talk series every day at 11am at Chatswood Chase to hear debate on the biggest questions facing the 21st Century.

The Concourse will also host the Girl Gamer ESports Oceania Festival on June 9 and 10, celebrating diversity in gaming while tackling the stereotypes of the industry.

Destination NSW CEO and Executive Producer of Vivid Sydney, Sandra Chipchase, said the Chatswood program strengthened the much-loved festival’s reach.

“In its 11th year, Vivid Sydney continues to evolve, surprise and delight and the Chatswood program reflects that,” she said. “In 2018 Vivid Sydney welcomed 2.25 million attendees and delivered over $172 million in tourism spend to the NSW economy.

For more information visit www.visitchatswood.com.au/vivid-2019