ZIGGY AND MILES

The intimacy of the FourthWall Arts space provides the perfect setting for an afternoon with classical guitar duo, brothers Ziggy and Miles Johnston – graduates of the Juilliard School and the bright new stars in the classical music scene. Opening with a piece written especially for this charismatic duo by Marián Budoš, Welcome to the stage, they give a taste of the quality of music to come – music that tickles your senses, washes over you, and breathes with you.

Nigel Westlake’s Mosstrooper Peak is a sonata in six movements, each dedicated to a remote place in the east coast of Australia visited by the composer. The wistful trembling of the wind, the rippling of the water, the occasional chirp of a bird, the rustling leaves… Music falls off the guitar strings, melodic sounds dropping like little water droplets, and we are not sure whether to catch and savour them, or to just let them wash over us.

Perhaps the sibling connection between Ziggy and Miles helps with the amazing connection they exhibit on stage. Either way, the two guitars, often making me feel like there was only one, left me with deep respect for the connectedness of their performance, their musical unity, and the sensitive technique that they carry through each and every piece. The guitar duo fills space gently and completely, one pluck at a time, making every nuance heard, each note perfectly present, and every sound organic.

The concert concludes with a vibrant piece by Radamés Gnattali, celebrating four influencing composers to Brazilian music. With so much dance as part of the Brazilian culture, the music naturally tends towards dance. This piece makes you want to move and twirl – even if only on the inside. Truly heartwarming, giving the same good vibes you might get from dancing in the warm rain, from licking ice-cream on a hot day, or a smile from a stranger. So easy to listen to, and how lucky to have this opportunity to hear such class right here in Brisbane. Looking forward to seeing more of this duo, and more of Brisbane Music Festival!