A delightful Sunday afternoon tea at the Independent in North Sydney and an even more delightful classical guitar duet performed by Andrew Blanch and Ariel Nurhadi – what more could you want? Alchemy, which is named after the very first piece they learnt together, is an inspiring performance where the audience is taken on a ‘world-tour’, blending classical music from France, Spain, Brazil, Australia and more.
On entry to the Independent, a delicious range of cakes and tea are provided in a lovely atmosphere. As the audience gathered is enjoying coffee, cheesecakes, mud cakes (and many more…) the bell rings, we are eager to take our seats in what is a perfect venue for such a concert.
The first half of the performance opened with masterpieces from Jean-Philippe Rameau followed by Debussy’s Claire de Lune. Two pieces that particularly stood out were La Vida Breve which we are told by Nurhadi means Life is short and Monte Carlo by Peter Madlem. There is a sense of “warming up” with the performers and audience as Blanch and Nurhadi intensify their musical connection. Both seem to be one with their guitars and work together to create a flawless timing composition. The nylon guitar strings are fresh and resonate sounds of the harp and piano as well.
The second half opens with Suite Retratos comprised of two masterpieces by Radmes Gnattali then the audience is whisked back to Australia, with The Mantis and the Moon, Lament and Alchemy by Phillip Houghton. In a wonderful Tango Suite by Astor Piazzola, Blanch and Nurhadi incorporate percussion on their guitars which during Allegro, amplify the rhythm throughout the piece.
During the concert, the sections were briefly broken up with both Blanch and Nurhadi describing some of their past musical experiences and “how it came to be” stories with a very humble and friendly demeanour which engaged even more in such an intimate setting; enhancing the connection between audience and performers.
Andrew Blanch and Ariel Nurhadi are the rockstars of Nylon-Acoustic Classical music. Whilst their technicality as musicians are immediately apparent, so also is their love for music and performing. That love undeniably captivates the audience and sails you into an abyss of beauty and immaculacy, a delectable taste of the “World Tour” in which they excel. The only wish I could make is that their brilliant sound be amplified at a higher volume to achieve the ultimate experience. Lovers of all music genres can appreciate what these two young men have to offer to the world, which is enticement from the universal language we all speak. Fit these guys into your schedule, you truly won’t be disappointed!
Zachary and Anna Shannon – On Sounds
