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murrayriverfinemusic.org
Sunday 2nd November, 2025
Duo Gaku 楽: The Art of Violin and Piano
@ The Cube
The Geoffrey McFerran Young Victorian Piano Competition 16th + 17th August 2025 @ Wodonga Senior Secondary College Performing Arts Centre, Wodonga
Past Events
In November we were delighted to present the debut performance of Duo Gaku 楽 – violinist Kaori Sparks and pianist and MRFM Artistic Director Helena Kernaghan – for a recital that celebrated both the emotional depth and technical brilliance of these two instruments.
The program spanned a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces alongside contemporary gems, culminating in the highly anticipated world premiere of Gordon Kerry's Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano and featuring Brahms' much-loved Violin Sonata in D minor Op.108.
This unforgettable performance showcased the finest in new and more familiar music.
In August 2025 Murray River Fine Music was once again delighted to partner with the Victorian Music Teachers' Association (VMTA), to present the Geoffrey McFerran Young Victorian Piano Competition.
The Geoffrey McFerran Young Victorian Piano Competition REGIONAL Prize is awarded annually by the Victorian Music Teachers' Association.
The prize was established in 2024 by the McFerran family in honour of Geoffrey, who was a highly accomplished and generous pianist, teacher and clinician. Geoffrey championed the pursuit of musical excellence in piano across Victoria.
This year the competition was adjudicated by renowned Australian pianist Timothy Young, who provided invaluable feedback and encouragement to the competitors in each age group - 10 and under,
Timothy Young
Mastery in Motion
Saturday 16th August
@ The Cube, Wodonga
In addition to adjudicating for the 2025 Geoffrey McFerran Young Victorian Piano Competition - Regional, our local community was treated to an extraordinary performance by renowned Australian pianist Timothy Young.
Timothy performed a captivating recital featuring Frédéric Chopin’s towering Sonata No. 2, Op. 35. A Romantic-era masterpiece, this sonata features the iconic Funeral March, a piece still heard today in solemn tributes around the world.
Shanul Sharma - Operatic Favourites
Saturday 24th May 2025
@ The Cube, Wodonga
Exclusive post-recital reception
We are were delighted to launch our 2025 season with operatic tenor Shanul Sharma. A favourite of our border audience, the exceptionally talented tenor returned to the region to perform a selection of beloved operatic arias accompanied by our artistic director and pianist Helena Kernaghan.
Featuring timeless favourites from opera’s greatest composers, this recital presented the power, passion and emotional intensity from soaring high notes to tender, lyrical moments that only the tenor voice can deliver.
Initially a lead singer of a heavy metal band, Shanul made the leap into opera in 2012 with his Opera Australia debut. He has since starred in opera performances in Australia and across the world including for the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and the Rossini Opera Festival in Italy.
Following the brilliant recital from tenor Shanul Sharma, the audience was invited to join us for an exclusive, ticketed post-recital reception: a meet-the-artists event including fine wine, exquisite canapés and enchanting performances.
Patrons enjoyed a selection of wines from our sponsor Cofield Wines, along with delicious canapés and music performed by our talented scholars William Paffen and Bianca Wijerathne.
MRFM Consultant Gordon Kerry gave a presentation, to share a little about who we are, what we do and how the community can support us, through donations and sponsorship.
This special gathering was our way of saying thank you to our community for their continued support.
Piazzolla and Tango
Saturday 26th October 2024
@ The Cube, Wodonga
The Geoffrey McFerran Young Victorian Piano Competition
17th + 18th August 2024
@ Wodonga Senior Secondary College Performing Arts Centre, Wodonga
In October 2024 Murray River Fine Music proudly presented a concert of music by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, along with other Argentine, South American and Spanish composers, with the binding theme of Tango.
Classical singer Ayşe Göknur Shanal shared a selection of songs with the audience, accompanied by pianist and MRFM Artistic Director Helena Kernaghan. They were joined by Melbourne Tango artists Quin Nguyen and Jason Loi, who brought the spirit of the music to life through dance.
In August 2024 Murray River Fine Music was delighted to partner with the Victorian Music Teachers' Association (VMTA), to present the 2024 Geoffrey McFerran Young Victorian Piano Competition.
The Geoffrey McFerran Young Victorian Piano Competition REGIONAL Prize is awarded annually by the Victorian Music Teachers' Association.
The prize was established in 2024 by the McFerran family in honour of Geoffrey, who was a highly accomplished and generous pianist, teacher and clinician. Geoffrey championed the pursuit of musical excellence in piano across Victoria.