“Celia shows a special flair for choosing not only repertoire but (perhaps especially) the musicians with whom she plays. She has a knack for finding those colleagues who not only are technically perfect – something that we take almost for granted nowadays – but who like herself can reach down to the essence of the music they are playing….”
Anthony Steel, AM
Named after its genesis in the Eden Valley, Barossa, honouring the First Nations and the European pioneer settlers facilitated by The National Trust of South Australia at South Australia’s original Homestead, Collingrove; Tarrawatta has built a loyal following through pioneering intimate, bespoke ‘Exclusive Musical Soiree’ private events for smaller, relaxed groups.
With a combination of wind, string and piano delivered by three of South Australia’s most successful independent musicians, Tarrawatta consists of Celia Craig, oboe and cor anglais, Thomas Marlin, cello and Michael Ierace piano. Thomas and Michael bring a wealth of performing awards and connections with overseas study and performance including in London. As the former Elder Overseas Scholar, Michael Ierace retraced the footsteps of South Australia’s virtuoso Miriam Hyde by studying at Royal College of Music London, enabled by the prestigious Triennial Scholarship. Marlin holds a Masters with Distinction in Music Performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, having completed undergraduate studies at the universities of Singapore and Tasmania. In 2024, due to Celia’s Creative Arts Fellowship at the National Library of Australia, the focus is on unpublished manuscripts and lesser known repertoire of Dr. Miriam Hyde and also commissioning new works for the Trio combination, while creating Soiree events for private clients.
Use the contact form to book your own special event. With the musicians appearing close, sharing live performances in stunning intimate venues, including private homes and Clubs, a relaxed and verbal connection develops with their audience. No need for previous audience experience in the traditional classical format or larger concert halls; these concerts are thrilling, entertaining and accessible.
Tarrawatta have been partnered with iconic South Australian artisans including Hutton Vale Farm, Varricalli Couture, Cuifoli Jeweller and Kyron Audio. Proudly based in Adelaide, Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music, the entrepreneurial group is also strongly committed to music education, and has travelled to Mount Gambier supported by Arts South Australia and coached at Brighton Secondary School specialist music department. Following their debut in North Adelaide Baroque Hall, reviewers commented:
“ thoughtful and extremely well played programme … most fine trio …so intimate and personal that listening was like eavesdropping on musicians playing for themselves…”
Brett Allen Bayes, Limelight.
“The musical utterances were genuinely person to person – so close that every twitch of energy and expression could be felt in a physical way….”
Graham Strahle, 5MBSFM.
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