Join flautist Masahide Kurita (Kuri) and pianist Kenji Fujimura on Saturday as they bring the Romantic era to life with performances of works by Dvorak, Nielsen and Franck.
In a chamber concert like no other, these two internationally renowned musicians will envelop patrons with beauty and grace in the gorgeous and intimate former Primitive Methodist Church Castlemaine, which now houses the Opus30 Gallery.
Kuri, who is well known for his outstanding technical virtuosity, rich tone and sensitive and profound musicality, told the Express he loved the Romantic era of music.
“I love Dvorak and Franck and have taken music that is normally played on the oboe and violin and translated it to the flute, making it sound original and beautiful,” he said.
Kuri has a delicately nuanced attention to detail, which gives his music-making a rare honesty, beauty and flavour, unlike other flautists.
“I love performing and the power of music,” he said.
Kuri is joined by talented pianist and composer Kenji, who is able to present an eclectic range of repertoire with understanding, sympathy and technical prowess.
“I love communicating the music, sharing it and watching people responding and reacting to it,” he said.
“Their responses can be positive or negative, but getting a response is why I do it.”
Opus30 is owned and run by accomplished artist Prue Venables, who bought the property eight years ago with a dream to create a space for artists and musicians to re-imagine and exhibit their works after the pandemic.
“I actually really wanted to be a musician when I was young, but I got converted into ceramics,” Prue told the Express.
“Music is so important to me and I thought I’d love to have music here in this space.
“I bought the beautiful grand piano during the pandemic, and one day Kuri and his partner, who had recently moved to the area, came to have a look around. It sort of evolved into him becoming the musical director,” she said.
Prue and Kuri have successfully held a number of chamber concerts throughout the year and have delighted in people’s responses.
“People have been in tears,” Prue said.
“It’s really amazing looking at everyone leaving with bright eyes. It just fills your whole body up. It’s incredible.”
Romantic Flute – Flute and Piano will be performed on Saturday July 27 at 2.30pm at Opus30, 30 Elizabeth Street, Castlemaine.
For more information or to book tickets visit: www.opus30.com.au
