World-class guitar duo in Woodend

Ziggy and Miles Johnston. Photo: Romer Pedron

Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of world-class music in Woodend!

Internationally-acclaimed Australian guitarists Ziggy and Miles Johnston are returning home to Australia and will perform a special concert that promises virtuosic playing, warmth and captivating artistry.

Now based in New York, the Johnston brothers have been hailed for their “deeply considered musicianship, immaculate care and superlative technique” (5MBS). Winners of the 2023 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, they are rapidly earning a reputation as two of Australia’s finest young musicians on the global stage.

Their Woodend concert draws inspiration from their time in New York City, showcasing the guitar duo’s signature strengths—intuitive interplay, seamless unity and the remarkable ability to conjure the depth and colour of a full orchestra.

At the heart of the program is Sidekick, a playful and powerful new work by Australian composer Katie Jenkins, written especially for the brothers. Jenkins captures their spirited dynamic perfectly, describing the piece as one that “makes fun of each other but needs each other—they compete with one another but are stronger together”.

Audiences will also be treated to Ziggy and Miles’ exquisite arrangement of Claude Debussy’s Suite bergamasque, which finds new life on the guitar, highlighting its intimacy and shimmering tonal palette. The concert opens with Astor Piazzolla’s fiery Tango no.1: Deciso and closes with Radamés Gnattali’s Suite Retratos—two masterpieces of Latin American guitar music that celebrate passion, rhythm and freedom of expression.

When: Saturday, November 15 at 2.30pm

Where: St Ambrose Church, Woodend

All profits from this concert will go directly to supporting the Woodend Winter Arts Festival, helping organisers to continue to bring exceptional music, art, and ideas to the community each year.

Experience the magic of two extraordinary musicians at the height of their craft—in the heart of Woodend.

Book early—this is one concert not to be missed!

www.woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au