‘Up, Close and Musical’ at Bridgetown Repertory Theatre this weekend

The annual Bridgetown music event Up Close and Musical will be making it’s return to the Bridgetown Repertory Theatre on Saturday, with 19 musicians expected to take to the stage. The concert, which is presented annually by the Rotary Club of Bridgetown, will showcase a variety of musical performers including pianists, singers, string quartets, and even a flute-piano duet. New acts for this year’s concert include Donnybrook vocalists Claire and Tim Robinson, Bridgetown singer Mary Myfanwy Evans, and Bunbury Eisteddfod open piano solo winner Jaden Dale. Award winning pianist duo Kinderspiel, consisting of young pianists Kai Laird and Joyce Zhou, and the O’Wallace Family will be making a return from previous years. Rotary Club youth director and concert producer Chris Shedley said the concert was a good night out for those wanting to enjoy a night our filled with music. “It’s a variety concert of serious music, of both classical and non-classical,” he said. “It’s also a lovely night out where people get dressed up.” He said the initial idea for the annual event began after hearing one of his friends tickle the ivories with an old piano at the Bridgetown theatre. “It’s been great,” Mr Shedley said. “It’s become a bit of a tradition. “People expect to be invited to perform. It’s an opportunity for serious performance in a nice environment.” Funds raised through the concert will this year be used to help support the purchase of new technical gear at the Repertory Club, where the concert has been hosted for 18 years.