The composer, who grew up in Taree, will present concerts in Gloucester and Taree to launch his new album From Hidden Valleys.

Jonathan is the Manning Winter Festival ambassador and is committed to advancing the arts in regional Australia.

He will be touring with the Tallowdale Chamber Orchestra, comprising 17 distinguished string, woodwind and brass players and international prize-winning pianist, Samuel Dharma.

The title work, From Hidden Valleys to the Open Sea, was commissioned to reflect the beauty of the Manning Valley.

Jonathan’s scoring for the orchestra explores techniques like the ‘cello seagull effect’ alongside wave and ripple motifs to arouse images of the winding river as it descends from Barrington Tops to the dual estuaries of Harrington and Old Bar-Farquhar.

Cinematic in style, the piece evokes the flight of a bird as it follows the meandering river as it flows down to the sea.

In keeping with the theme of flight, the concerts will also feature The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams, which will be performed by solo violinist, Ewan Foster, with the orchestra.

The full-length album of Jonathan’s music will include two orchestral works, From Hidden Valleys to the Open Sea and A Midsummer Night’s Dream as well as The Passing Seasons for wind quintet and three Wedding Processionals for piano.

Ewan Forster (violin), Juen Van Hand (violin), George Yang (cello), Michael Scott (flute), Rachel Tolmie (oboe), Carol Irving (clarinet), Long Nguyen (bassoon), Darryl Poulsen (French horn), and Jonathan Martinovici (piano) are among the eminent musicians playing on the album. 

It was recorded at Beechwood Studio, Armidale with Colin Bale and with acclaimed producer and Taree resident, Peter Stevenson.

Jonathan’s music synthesizes modern influences with complex and sometimes traditional styles. It could be described as ‘contemporary classical’ with soaring, captivating themes, similar in style to a film soundtrack.

“I love the challenge of writing for choral and orchestral forces in a way that resonates with 21st century listeners,” says Jonathan.

After two concerts in Sydney, the Tallowdale Chamber Orchestra will visit St Paul’s Anglican Church, Gloucester on Saturday May 27 at 2pm and then the Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree on Sunday May 28 at 2pm.

This will be a sparkling event and the opportunity to hear such high-quality music is not to be missed.

For more information visit www.tallowdale.com.au or www.themec.com.au or phone the Manning Entertainment Centre on (02) 6592 5466.