Long Weekend of Music

A world class season of classical music at Montville’s Lucas Parklands will kick off with pianist Berta Brozgul and cellist Sam Lucas for the Long Weekend of Music in mid-March.

The duo plays regularly, and will reignite their artistic partnership for three concerts on Friday March 22, Saturday March 23 and Sunday March 24.

Berta, born in South Africa but today based out of Melbourne, and Sam, who grew up in Montville but now lives in Germany and performs across Europe, are both eagerly looking forward to performing together again.

“I love performing with Sam,” Berta said from Melbourne.

“We clicked immediately the first time we played together and seem to share the same passion and love for what we do, as well as similar musical taste and feeling.”

Speaking from his home in Dusseldorf, Sam said: “Berta is a terrific musician with incredible pianistic skills.

“She has a lot of fire and energy in her performance style and in her interpretations, which is something I appreciate a lot in my performance partners.

“I'm very much looking forward to performing with her again.” 

The pair will present three very different musical programs at the Long Weekend of Music, including duets and solos from composers like Bach, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Hindemith, Schumann, Grieg and more.

For Sam, one piece in particular is special, having had a life-changing influence on his career.

“I'll be playing my favourite cello sonata, Grieg Cello Sonata, and one of my favourite concertos, the Elgar Cello Concerto… the first cello concerto I ever heard, and it was precisely because of this piece I chose to dedicate my life to the cello,” he explained.

For Sam, the visit to Montville is also a rare annual chance to catch up again with his parents Ian and Lee, and twin sister Meg.

“To perform in Australia is always great as well, especially if I get to tie in some performances at Lucas Parklands, my home,” he explained.

“Seeing all the familiar faces in the audience, people I've known since I was a boy, gets me quite emotional, and it's a pleasure to perform for them each year.” 

For Lucas Parklands performances and ticketing enquiries, phone 07 54785667 or 0409623228.