SOME OF OUR BEST FRIENDS ARE JAZZ MUSICIANS
After last year’s successful Ballina debut, Brisbane based Black Square String Quartet are returning to The Music Estuary with a new program.
Strings meet reeds – Rules get bent
Martin Kay (saxophone & clarinet) joins Black Square for a genre-hopping programme of folk, jazz, and contemporary curiosities. Expect conversations, collisions, and the occasional raised eyebrow.
DATE & TIME
SUNDAY, 27 September
3:00 – 4:30 PM
TICKETS
GENERAL $30
CONCESSION $25
Under 18 Free
Dr. Martin KAy
Martin Kay is a Brisbane-based saxophonist, clarinettist, composer, and Lecturer in Saxophone at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, specialising in classical saxophone, improvisation and composition.
His creative and pedagogical work is grounded in classical saxophone, contemporary chamber music and original projects that explore the intersections of composed and improvised music.
PROGRAM
ROBERT DAVIDSON
Leaf – River Crossing
FAZIL SAY – Arr. Thomas Green
Suite op. 55
ERWIN SCHULHOFF
6 Esquisses de Jazz
ROBERT DAVIDSON
Bird Riffs
DON BYRON & URI CANE – ARR. Philip Eames
Twi Pieces from ‘Bug Music’
MICHAEL DOGHERTY
Elvis Everywhere
MICHAEL PATTERSON
Tchavolo Swing
BLACK SQUARE QUARTET
Black Square Quartet was founded in 2018. Inspired by the iconic and controversial artwork The Black Square by Kasimir Malevich, one of the first true examples of artistic minimalism, the quartet aims to challenge and inspire audiences with daring & innovative repertoire choices. Strong advocates of new & Australian music, the quartet has premiered works by composers including Thomas Green, Robert Davidson, Ken Thomson, Cathy Likhuta, Marike Van Dijk, Brenda Gifford, Richard Grantham, Michael Bakrncev and Philip Eames. Their collaborations with some of Australia’s finest musicians and ensembles – including Trichotomy, Shugorei, Tenzin Choegyal, Early Modern, Andrew Veivers, and Steve Newcomb – push the boundaries of contemporary chamber music.
Camille Barry – Violin
Australian violinist Camille Barry has distinguished herself as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer across Australia, the UK, and Europe.
A precocious talent, she was awarded an AMusA at age 11 and an LMusA at 13. Camille gained early entry to the Queensland Conservatorium at just 15, where she completed her Bachelor of Music under the tutelage of Elizabeth Morgan. She continued her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester with Malcolm Layfield, earning a Postgraduate Diploma and Masters of Music, both with Distinction.
Camille has been recognised with numerous awards and accolades in both national and international competitions. She has performed as a soloist with orchestras in Australia and the UK and has been featured at prominent festivals, including the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, Bangalow Music Festival, and Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival. In 2022, she released Mother’s Suite: Sweet Mothers for Violin and Piano on ABC Classic.
A highly sought-after freelance musician, Camille regularly performs with Australia’s leading symphony orchestras. However, her true passion lies in chamber music. In 2018, she founded Black Square Quartet, an acclaimed contemporary art ensemble dedicated to exploring and expanding the boundaries of string quartet repertoire. Under her leadership, the quartet has collaborated with many of Australia’s leading composers and performers. Her exceptional artistry and versatility continue to make her a dynamic force on the Australian music scene.
MICHEL PATTERSON – VIOLIN
Michael Patterson is a distinguished performer, composer, and educator with an extensive background in string performance and ensemble leadership.
Holding a Bachelor of Music, AMusA, LMusA, Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning, and a Master of Philosophy (Music), Michael’s academic achievements are matched by his exceptional versatility as a musician.
From 2007 to 2018, Michael was a core member and Guest Artistic Director of Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, where he performed as both a soloist and ensemble leader, contributing to the ensemble’s reputation for dynamic and innovative programming. He continues to perform regularly with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as a violist, showcasing his refined artistry and deep musical insight.
Michael’s talents extend beyond classical performance. He is highly regarded for his mastery of diverse musical styles, including Balkan music, Gypsy Jazz, Flamenco, Pop, and Rock. This eclectic range not only enhances his performances but also informs his unique compositional voice, characterised by a blend of traditional and contemporary influences.
An advocate for contemporary music, Michael joined the celebrated contemporary art ensemble Black Square Quartet in 2019. His contribution as a violinist and composer has been pivotal in shaping the ensemble’s adventurous and culturally resonant repertoire. His commitment to musical exploration and innovation aligns with Black Square Quartet’s mission to expand the boundaries of string quartet music.
In addition to his performance career, Michael is a dedicated educator, inspiring the next generation of musicians through his teaching and mentorship. His extensive experience in conducting and leading ensembles further reflects his passion for collaborative music-making and his commitment to nurturing musical communities.
CHARLOTTE BURBROOK DE VERE – Viola
Charlotte has graduated with instrumental prizes and academic awards, performed with leading Australian orchestras, and is a dedicated educator.
She began her musical journey in Western Australia, studying Piano and Violin through the Suzuki Method before discovering her passion for the viola. She completed a Bachelor of Music with Honours at ANU under Tor Fromyhr and pursued her master’s studies with Michele Walsh at the Queensland Conservatorium, graduating with instrumental prizes and academic awards.
During her studies, Charlotte was Principal Viola of the Australian Youth Orchestra and participated in the prestigious ACO Emerging Artists program and Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship, touring internationally with both ensembles. Her mentors have included Stephen King, Roger Benedict, Stuart Johnson, and John Curro.
Charlotte is a dedicated educator, regularly tutoring for the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, UQ Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Youth Orchestra, and Australian Youth Orchestra. She is also actively involved in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s regional touring and education programs.
She has performed with leading Australian orchestras, including the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras, and joined the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as a permanent tutti player in 2012, also serving as Associate Principal Viola.
An avid chamber musician, Charlotte has participated in quartet masterclasses internationally and completed a Winter Residency at the Banff Centre. She joined Black Square Quartet in 2020, finding artistic fulfilment and creative inspiration within the ensemble.
DAN CURRO – CELLO
Dan Curro is known for his eclectic musical interests and dynamic performance style. His career is marked by diversity, spanning a wide range of genres and styles.
He began his cello studies with Helen Holt before continuing with Matthew Farrell, Roseanne Hunt, and later with Howard Penny at ANAM. At the Queensland Conservatorium, Dan studied contemporary improvisation under John Rogers and Ken Edie, shaping his distinctive and versatile approach to music-making.
Dan’s career is marked by remarkable diversity, spanning a wide range of genres and styles. He has recorded two albums with his contemporary vocal group, Plub, and was hailed as a “star performer” for his collaboration with avant-garde electronic musician Oxford Parker. In this innovative performance, Dan improvised on a 6-string fretless bass guitar while completing Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System—projected live for the audience—in just six minutes. In 2009, he performed in the Australian premiere of Louis Andriessen’s string quartet Facing Death at the Australian National Academy of Music.
As an historically informed performer, Dan has a particular passion for 19th-century Western art music. He regularly performs baroque cello with ensembles including the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Badinerie Players, and Pinchgut Opera.
Throughout his career, Dan has explored an abundance of musical styles, including baroque, classical, Latin, tango, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary music. Recently, his focus has been on performing new music with Black Square Quartet, collaborating with local composers such as Thomas Green and Robert Davidson. His work with the quartet reflects his commitment to innovation and his passion for expanding the boundaries of string quartet repertoire.