Event Recap
A celebration of French musical heritage presented across three Territory venues. The program featured internationally renowned harpist Marshall McGuire alongside Arafura Music Collective, presenting an evocative journey through French music history.
From June 19 to June 22, Arafura Music Collective partnered with Alliance Française de Darwin to celebrate La Fête de la Musique at Brown’s Mart, Gray Community Hall (Palmerston), and Darwin’s Supreme Court. The weekend opened on June 19 with a solo recital evening performance at Browns Mart by internationally renowned harpist Marshall McGuire.
The performance included
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) – Arabesque
Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764) – Suite in E minor
Allemande~Courante~Gigue en rondeau~2eme gigue en rondeau~Le Rappel des Oiseaux~Musette en Rondeau~Tambourin
Marcel Tournier (1879-1951) – Vers la source dans le bois
Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921) – Fantaisie
Carlos Salzedo (1885-1961) – Chanson dans la nuit
Marcel Tournier – Four Preludes Op.16
Tranquille - Pas trop vite - Lent - Allegretto
on 21st and 22nd of June, renowned harpist Marshall McGuire joined the musicians of Arafura Music Collective in a rich and evocative program spanning the ages. From the lyrical songs of the troubadours, the grandeur of Marin Marais' baroque masterpieces from the court of Louis XIV, the vibrant neoclassical harmonies of Milhaud, and the delicate sonorities of Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp, as well as the shimmering impressionism of Debussy, and the timeless voice of Édith Piaf, the repertoire showcased music that has shaped cultures and hearts. Full details of program and program notes can be found in the program here( live link).
This musical journey bridged history, innovation, and cultural storytelling, echoing the joyous spirit of France’s beloved Fête de la Musique.
