Melba sets the mood

By Kath Gannaway
A BRILLIANT performance by pianist James Brawn on Friday night set the scene for an exciting weekend of food, wine and music as part of the third Melba Festival.
Mr Brawn performed to an audience of more than 100 people at Domaine Chandon receiving a standing ovation in what was a thrilling start to the program which included opera, Shakespeare, classical instrumental, jazz and popular music.
Yarra Valley and Dandenongs Marketing took over the running of the festival this year introducing a new format with most events held at wineries and incorporating food, wine and entertainment as a package.
Over the weekend more than 1000 people enjoyed a full program of events inspired by the magic of Australia’s international star of the 1900s, Dame Nellie Melba.
Festival coordinator Nell Kell said the festival attracted an older crowd with the emphasis on classical music but said there were also a lot of families at events at De Bortoli Winery and Healesville Hotel.
Festival highlights included The Flinders Quartet, Leonard and Slava Grigoryan, Rhonda Birchmore and The Three Tenors Show, violinist Kana Ohashi and cellist Judith Hamann.