Echoes of the World

A Journey Through Cultures and Time

Experience a rich mosaic of music as we traverse continents and eras in this dynamic program of global artistry. We begin with the elegant lyricism of John Clinton (Ireland/England), whose charming compositions set the tone for an evening of diverse musical expression.

Next, we enter the dreamlike world of Claude Debussy (France), where impressionistic textures and luminous harmonies evoke nature, memory, and mood.

The romantic voices of Antonín Dvořák (Czech Republic) and Johannes Brahms (Germany) follow, offering sweeping melodies and rich harmonic landscapes that speak to the heart of the 19th-century tradition.

Lightness and grace return with the theatrical charm of André Messager (France), before we turn to the Nordic lyricism of Niels Wilhelm Gade (Denmark), whose music blends classical form with folk-inspired colour.

From there, we journey east with beautifully arranged Japanese, Taiwanese, and Korean folk melodies, each offering a window into their respective cultures—distinct in sound yet united in spirit.

The program continues with the expressive, melodically rich works of Harvey Worthington Loomis (USA), known for incorporating traditional American themes with inventive harmonic language.

We conclude with the contemporary brilliance of Gary Schocker (USA), whose works blend virtuosity, beauty, and a deep sense of storytelling.

Whether rooted in Romantic traditions, drawn from folk heritage, or crafted by modern hands, each piece in this program offers a unique voice in the shared language of music.

Programme

• Grand Duo Concertante No.1 Op.43 (trio) – Clinton
• Reverie (piano solo) – Debussy
• Slavonic Dance (piano 4 hands) – Dvorak
• Hungarian Dance (piano 4 hands) – Brahms
• Solo de Concours (clarinet & piano) Messager
• Fantasiestucke Op.43 – Ballade (clarinet & piano) – Gade
• Three Asian Folk Melodies (flute duo) – Schocker
  • Japan – Momiji
  • Taiwan – Dreaming by the Stream
  • Korea – Ta-ryeong
• Music of the Calumet (flute & piano) – Loomis
• Underworld (flute & piano) – Schocker
• Sonata No.1 (trio) – Schocker

MUSICIANS BIO

Rhonda Watt has been teaching piano for over 40 years, primarily in her hometown of Gulgong, as well as in Mudgee and Coolah. She studied piano privately at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and trained as a primary school teacher at Sydney Teachers’ College.

Inspired by her children’s musical journeys, Rhonda began learning the flute later in life. She has been actively involved with the Gulgong Eisteddfod since its inception more than four decades ago and continues to find joy in both teaching and accompanying.

Pu-Yu Wu is a pianist, flutist, and music educator who recently relocated from the Central Coast to Gulgong in 2024. Originally from Taiwan, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Soochow University in Taipei, majoring in piano and minoring in flute. After moving to Australia in 2003, she earned performance and teaching diplomas in both instruments.

Now celebrating her 30th year of teaching, Pu-Yu works with students locally and internationally, both in person and online.

Over the past five years, she has been studying with the world-renowned flutist, pianist, and composer Gary Schocker, an experience that has reignited her passion for the flute and reaffirmed her deep love for sharing music.

Matisse Mok is a 13-year-old clarinettist who completed the full AMEB syllabus for clarinet within just three years of study. He currently studies under Alex Morris of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Reinhard Wieser of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Prior to this, he was mentored by Lena Shim, formerly of the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra in South Korea.

At the age of 10, Matisse made his solo debut at the Sydney Opera House as a featured artist in the annual Festival of Instrumental Music. By 12, he was winning open categories at Eisteddfods across New South Wales. In addition to the clarinet, Matisse also plays the French horn and piano.