THE official opening of the 2016 Manning Winter Festival will be held at the Manning Regional Art Gallery on Friday, June 3, commencing at 6 pm.
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A major highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of Jonathan Billingham`s composition, From Hidden Valleys to the Open Sea.
The work will be performed by the Sinfonia Chamber Ensemble.
Now living in Sydney, Jonathan is a talented musician and composer from the Manning Valley.
He was specially commissioned by the festival committee to compose a work which would reflect the beauty of our valley.
Jonathan showed great artistic promise when he began learning to play the violin when he was only four-and-a-half years old.
He attributes much of his success to the skills of his local piano and music teachers - Juen Van Hand, Margery Bonsor, Don Secomb and Pam Archer.
"Not every country town or regional centre offers the range of opportunities for young people to participate in the performing arts as is the case in Taree," he said.
"This is because of the dedicated teachers and volunteers who work tirelessly in the community to perpetuate a creative culture in the region," he added.
Jonathan graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of NSW in 2009.
He majored in composition and also developed a passion for choral singing.
For the past ten years he has performed many of his own compositions in Sydney and in Taree.
Together with his wife Linda Billingham, Jonathan produces concerts under the umbrella of their business, Tallowdale Music.
In addition to his musical career, Jonathan is the public relations and systems manager for New College at the University of NSW.
"I enjoy the challenges of managing and marketing the systems which support the 565 resident students at New College," he said.
He still thinks of the Manning Valley as home and often visits to spend time with family.
Other features of the festival opening night include the presentation of the 2016 Visual and Performing Arts Awards and the announcement of the 2016 Manning Winter Festival Ambassador.
Refreshments provided. Tickets at $15pp are now on sale at Movies, Games and More, 208 Victoria Street, Taree. Phone 6552 5699.
For more information visit the website: manningwinterfestival.weebly.com