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381 Canterbury Road, Ringwood, Victoria, 3134 P:03 9872 5122 www.musicland.com.au YOU’RE INVITED
Bernies Music Land is proud to
offer a sensational lineup of
artists and events to inspire
your music making!
SEPTEMBER
Brush up your March tunes as
we March into Spring at
Players Afternoon, 2pm
Thursday 17th September.
Come to play or just to listen.
Don’t miss a superb night of
classical organ music with
international guest, Martin
Setchell on the Bernies stage,
7.30pm Tuesday 22nd
September.
Be in the audience for the
recording of Channel 31’s
Piano Talk show, here at
Bernies at 6.30pm on
Wednesday 23rd and Thursday
24th September
Find out the secrets of the
piano at our popular holiday
workshop Ready for Action;
Inside the Piano at 10am on
Thursday 24th September.
OCTOBER
Come and be in the audience
for the 27th Annual Bernstein
National Piano Awards Finals
here at Bernies Music Land on
Sunday October 4th. Featuring
local and interstate students,
this will be a showcase of
stunningly talented young
pianists.
Join us for a fun musical
Variety Night raising money for
charity with Kenneth Briggs,
7.30pm on Thursday 29th
October.
Book Now: 9872 5122
Johannus Training Conference, Jakarta Indonesia, June 2015
MusiClub Newsletter
This issue Welcome, You’re Invited P.1
What’s Happening at Bernies P.2
New from our Favourite Brands P.3
Travel Tips P.4
SUMM ER 2015 /16
And he suggested to take a limo for four hours, leaving as early as possible. I took his advice (big mistake) and was keen
to see the sights and learn about the city’s history. The porter said the driver could speak English well. After the first hour I gave up asking questions. Firstly, I received no response. The when I asked who the president was, the answer was “yes”!
Tip: Use organised tours!
Thinking I had three hours still to fill, I asked if we could stop for lunch. “Sorry, Rahmadan” was the reply… he was fasting hence I was too. Eventually I was glad he fitted our four-hour tour into two and a half as the hotel restaurant buffet was open and I had enough of telling myself what I was looking at ... Happy travelling. Bernie C
Johannus dealers from 10 countries all around Asia
gathered for three days in July in Jakarta. Hosted by
Marco Van De Weerd (Johannus President) and his
able assistant Penny, the group participated in
workshops on voicing classic organs, and discussion
on new models.
Dear MusiClubbers,
Wow what a cold winter!
I hope you all had plenty of time making
music at home and attending some wonderful
events. We are so fortunate in Melbourne
with such sensational performance venues
like Hamer Hall, Deakin Edge, the Recital
Centre and many more.
From the photos you’ll see we’ve been busy
with staff birthday celebrations and education
for my two grandsons, who love playing
“Hammond Hammond” and piano early in the
mornings!
Around Town Events Sponsored by
Bernies Music Land
Youth Concerto Final
Preston Symphony Orchestra
7pm Saturday 5th September
Northcote Town Hall
http://prestonsymphony.org.au/
Maroondah Symphony
Orchestra Concert
2.30pm Sunday 6th September
Yarra Valley Grammar, Ringwood
$25 / 20 at door, Enq 0418620479
The Team of Pianists Presents
Sounds of America
6.30pm Sunday 20th September
Rippon Lea Estate, Elsternwick
www.teamofpianists.com.au
Julie Haskell Piano Recital
6pm – 7pm Thursday 29th October
Melbourne Recital Centre
$38 / 28 Ph: 9699 3333
www.melbournerecital.com.au
Travel Tips
Do you realise Indonesia was formed out of a Dutch colony? Accordingly it seemed like a suitable location for the recent Johannus Asian Pacific Dealer Conference (being a Dutch company).
Indonesia is predominantly a Muslim country and the conference coincided with Rahmadan… which meant that almost 14 million people were trying to do the same thing at the same time! This included chanting at 4.30am in the Mosque close to the hotel.
Tip: Perhaps avoid Jakarta during Rhamadan!
Jakarta is a city of massive contrast, from the Presidential Palace to the slums near the harbour. A photo from my hotel room shows the luscious pool area then a mosque then hovvels and high rise.
Yesterday I asked at the hotel porter about a tour
Above: Proud new Bernstein grand piano owners
Below: Bernies team celebrating birthdays
Johannus Organ Launch
7.30pm Tuesday 22nd September
Bernies Music Land invites you to the launch of
the spectacular new Johannus Ecclesia D-470
organ with brilliant organist, Professor Martin
Setchell.
Martin Setchell is an international concert
organist who believes in promoting entertaining
organ music to a wide audience. Born and
educated in England, he is based in New
Zealand, as curator of the Rieger organ in the
Christchurch Town Hall for the Performing Arts,
and Associate Professor of Music and University
Organist at the University of Canterbury.
Join us at Bernies Music Land as Martin ably
displays the fabulous tonal colour of this new
Johannus organ. Limited seats are also available
at the Masterclass for students and interested
observers, 10.30am -12pm Wednesday 23rd
September. Please phone Craig on 9872 5122.
Our winter season here at Musicland featured artists; Tony
Fenelon, Andrew Chubb, Pete Sullivan with Andrea Lees ,
Michel Benebig and Carl Lockyer with Mike Jordan plus the
popular Players Afternoons , Masterclasses and workshops.
We were proud to be the major sponsor of the 61st
Ringwood Eisteddfod by suppling the Schimmel C189 grand
piano for the heats and Schimmel concert grand for the Aria
Finals at Karralyla. The contestants were exceptional and
the program was enjoyed by all. Well done to Patron Ruth
Hawkins and President Mark Dipnall.
Now it’s spring and there is much to be jolly about. There
are some great programs to excite and encourage you to
enjoy making music. Please have a good read through this
newsletter and the Dateline. So there is no excuse to keep
your mind working and enjoy active music at Bernies.
You may have noticed that the Australian dollar has fallen.
This means massive price rises are on their way. So if you
Michel Benebig Back on the Bernies stage
It was great to have Michel
Benebig back on the Bernies
stage for an amazing Live at
Bernies nighton August 19.
Michel had his friend, USA
guitarist, Carl Lochea, with him
and fabulous local drummer,
Mike Jordan was there to keep
the beat.
Michel is known for his
smooth, expressive Hammond
playing and is well respected
musician at his home in New
Caledonia and all round the
world.
The night was sensational and
the recording will be available
soon as part of the Live at
Bernies label.
The program was excellent and I enjoyed the
fellowship of the international network of dealers.
Bernies Music Land / Musico is very proud to be the
Australian representative for Johannus and I am now
qualified to answer any difficult question. Or maybe.
It was well worth the trip. Bernie C
are thinking about acquiring a new
instrument for a dynamic playing
experience, please call in, have a
cuppa and talk to us about it. This
edition includes a Specials List, which
may be helpful for some friends or
family members as you wish.
A big thank you to our contributors;
Craig Douglass, Lester Cheung,
Simeon Mascarenhas, and to our
wonderful editor, Michelle.
Bernie C
Happenings… Johannus Happenings
I would firstly like to thank all our wonderful Johannus customers, new and existing, for choosing Johannus. The feedback I am receiving from all over Australia certainly encourages us to ‘keep working hard’ and confirms our belief that Johannus organs are certainly market leaders in innovation and technology, giving us a digital organ that is both realistic and musical.
We are often asked how long a Johannus organ should last. Well, a few weeks ago we had a very affirmative confirmation that Johannus organs are built to last for a very long time.
I received a phone call from Mr Colin Lamb in Sydney and he told me how he first encountered Johannus organs. Whilst holidaying in Germany in 1975, a sudden storm forced him to take refuge in a music store, where there was a display of electronic church organs from a new organ builder in Holland; Johannus. In fact they built their first organ in 1969. Colin was so impressed he ordered an Opus 20 via mail and in 1977, Johannus ‘Number One for Australia’ arrived. Colin was looking to rehome his organ a few months ago and offered it to us as the Johannus distributors for Australia.
The sound and cabinet designs have certainly changed since 1975, but the organ is still fully functional and very playable. So 40 years on and still going strong. Quite a testament to build quality.
On the education side, we are proud to be now partnering with Marryatville High School in Adelaide to run a pilot educational program for organ students. This is in conjunction with Adelaide Cathedral organist, Dr Joshua van Konkelenberg. Josh’s energy for education is amazing and we certainly had no hesitation in providing a Johannus Opus 270 for the roll-out of the pilot program. The response from the students has been very encouraging.
Don’t forget Professor Martin Setchell is visiting Musicland in September and will be launching the new Eccelsia D470 on Tuesday 22nd at 7.30pm. We will also have a Masterclass for students and interested observers on Wednesday 23rd at 10.30am. Spaces are limited for the Masterclass, so please call on 9872 5122 or email me to book.
Johannus have recently released a few new models and the new ‘Classic’ series is a welcome addition to the model line-up. A beautiful slimline console available in 2 and 3 manual models, with impressive in-built audio systems and practical stop lists, all combined with the cutting-edge Real-Time Sampling system. Our first Classic 350 (3 manual) is due at the end of October. Drop me a line if you would like to know when it arrives.
Don’t forget, we have a great range on display and you are always welcome to pop in for a coffee and a play.
Until next time! Craig D
BERNSTEIN® Masterclass & Piano Competition
For over 30 years, the national Bernstein Piano
Competition has provided a unique learning and
incentive experience for young piano students.
Each Masterclass session offers the students an
intimate opportunity to perform and receive an
insightful lesson from a renowned teacher, including
members of the Team of Pianists. It is ideal
examination preparation.
With prizes totaling over $1200, the Bernstein Piano
Competition provides an encouraging competition
format for students to compete with national peers.
Entry is by invitation following masterclass
participation.
Hammond CD Review Who says that the jazz organ is forgotten? Jon
Hammond (what an appropriate name!) shows
clearly that the Hammond jazz room is not only
alive and well but, what is more, that it can provide
something from almost every genre of modern
popular music for everybody. Opening with “Days
of Wine and Roses”, Jon and Melbourne drummer
Michael Jordan provide a soothing evening of music
to an appreciative and relaxed audience at Bernies
Music Land in Ringwood, Victoria. Jon’s cool
registration, even tempo and elegant ornamentation
are the best reference to his mature and musical
approach to what is essentially great music for
listening. The amazing Hammond B-3 is his vehicle,
and what a vehicle it is!
Standards like Satin Doll, Besame mucho and
Somewhere over the Rainbow are conveyed
smoothly to the listener’s ears whilst enhancing the
dinner table ambience and candlelit atmosphere.
Jon draws humorously on his personal experiences
with his original composition Late Rent, which he
calls his theme song.
Up to date with modern classics that everybody
recognises, Jon plays Stevie Wonder’s You are the
Sunshine of my Life in a style that makes the piece
instantly recognisable. He finishes with I left my
Heart in San Francisco; where he was born!
Jon makes excellent use of the Leslie effect to add
colour to the numbers that he plays: it enhances the
shimmery mood that such music needs. His tempi
are such that people whose toes begin to tap
uncontrollably can - and do - get up and dance to
his music. With extensive experience as a
Hammond B-3 performer across the USA and
Europe, Jon shows deep insight for the essentials
of jazz – melody, rhythm, tempo, mood, style,
improvisation – and he captures them all admirably.
In this excellent recording, Jon Hammond draws
listeners into the astonishing world of Hammond
stage keyboard organs. It should be part of every
Hammond music collection. Nice work, Jon! Simeon Mascarenhas
New from Our Favourite Brands
Bernies Music Land proudly sponsored
the 61st Ringwood Eisteddfod
Above & Below: Bernies Music School students’ Winter Concert
School Holiday Workshop
Ready for Action: Inside the Piano
Join us for this fascinating interactive workshop
where we discover how pianos work, why they
go out of tune and how pianos are all different.
Ideal for teachers, students and families. Phone
us on 9872 5122 to book. Entry $10.
10am – 11am Thursday 24th September
BERNSTEIN®
Piano Competition
Shepparton Regional Finals
Hi MusiClubbers,
For my first visit to Shepparton, the town put
on a cold, wintery day. Mum and I drove up
and got lost… eventually we found the
“Mechanics Institute”; a public building
designed for performance.
Shepparton is the home of the Australian
National Piano Award and presents the
Bernstein Piano Competition annually as a
“junior” section under this umbrella. Three
sections are divided by the pianists’
performance level and students are welcome
up to age 21.
The performance room featured a lovely
Bernstein 161cm grand piano and comfortable
audience seating, with a large supporting
audience. We were greeted by a host of
impressive performances, with standards that
keep rising each year. Adjudicators Professor
Max Cooke and Mr Darryl Coote travel to
Shepparton annually for this event and have a
long founding relationship with the Bernstein
Piano Competition and Shepparton Piano
Award.
Adjudicator Max Cooke presenting awards
I spoke to many of the young performers
afterwards and they were very impressed with
the dynamics and sensitivity of the Bernstein
161 grand piano. It had plenty of power and
richness in tone to fill out the relatively large
room. One performer told me that they wished
they could take it home! Being a smaller sized
instrument, it was fantastic to hear such good
feedback from the performers.
The Shepparton division of the Bernstein
Piano Competition is coordinated by Julie
Tracy, who does a wonderful job in making the
event run seamlessly. I watched her run
around all day, setting up chairs, preparing
programs, writing certificates and cheques,
and coordinating the program. Thanks for your
great work, Julie.
Winners from the Shepparton Regional
Division are invited to compete in the national
finals of the Bernstein Piano Competition, held
here at Bernies Music Land on Sunday 4th
October. Audience are welcome so please
phone me on 9872 5122 if you’d like to attend.
Lester C
Bernstein Hailun 218 Featured
Visiting artist,
Andrew Chubb
from NSW was
our guest artist
in June and
featured the
Bernstein 218
grand piano in
a superb
classical
program.
Andrew’s CD
will be available
through Move
records shortly.
Great to see Tony Fenelon in June!
Introducing the Schimmel K219
All ears were on the new Schimmel K219 Konzert
Grand in the beautiful ballroom at Rippon Lea
Estate on August 16th. It performed more than
admirably under the amazing fingers of young
Indonesian Concert Pianist, Kevin Suherman.
The evening held two celebrations; the Australian
launch of this sensational new grand piano, as well
as the launch of Kevin Suherman’s third Schimmel
International Artist Series CD recording. This new
CD features works by List and Chopin, as well as
Hungarian Rhapsody by Listz, Kevin’s encore which
left the audience in awe.
The Schimmel K219 features Schimmel’s new
Piano Action concept; whereby a full concert-sized
grand piano action is fitted into a medium sized
grand. Slightly larger than the K213 grand, this new
model offers enhanced mid and bass response and
power, giving the performer even more scope for
dynamic exploration.
Thanks to the guidance of Max Cooke, the program
was complemented by two additional pianists,
Victor Hu and Jayden Taviera with violinist Williard
Chong.
The Schimmel K219 is now on display at Bernies
Music Land. Please visit to have a try and pick up a
copy of Kevin’s CD, or phone me for details on
9872 5122. The 2015 Rippon Lea season of the
Team of Pianists concludes on September 20th.
Bernie C
Enrol your students today
and help them achieve
outstanding performance
results this year.
MASTERCLASS SESSIONS:
Wed 1st July: Tamara Smolyar
Wed 8th July: Grant Furneaux
Sat 11th July: Robert Chamberlain
Sat 19th September: Helene Hatton
Tues 22nd
September: Darryl Coote
ENROLMENTS: phone Lester 9872 5122
A rewarding learning experience
Welcome New Team Member
Bernies is delighted to welcome our newest
member of staff, Lindsay Stodden. Lindsay is
our Service Manager, looking after all electronic
instrument and amplifier servicing (wow!). He’s
here three days a week and always seems to be
carrying around an interesting case on a trolley.
Lindsay owned his own recording studio and is a
sound engineer, so he knows when something
sounds good. Personal interest led him to
electronics, and among other qualifications, he
is an amature radio technician and a video
specialist, having designed sound and video
setups for large theatres.
Lindsay plays piano and organ, mainly theatre
style, and listens to classical music. His quick wit
is a welcome addition to our Bernies crew and
we hope he can be of good assistance to our
valued customers. Michelle C