One of Talking Adelaide's favourite Sunday outings is an afternoon concert in the gorgeous Elder Hall, North Tce.
About five times a year, one of Australia's top pianists, Kathryn Selby, comes to town for an afternoon of brilliant chamber music accompanied by two or three other young musicians, all at the top of the games. For a couple of years, the concerts were by Trioz, which included Adelaide violinist Niki Vasilakis.
It is a relaxed couple of hours; each time it seriously feels like you are catching up with old friends. Selby, or one of her players, doesn't hesitate to address the audience before each piece to explain its origins and why it fits in with the program's theme.
This is no intimidating, snobby classical music event. It is a casual afternoon of invigorating music by musicians at their peak. The applause is hearty and appreciative. And at half-time there is Adelaide's best afternoon tea to be had: home-made cup cakes, slices and biscuits, with the left-overs snapped up on trays by the departing audience. It all goes to a good cause too.
Selby&Friends' 2014 program is out and it includes an array of big names (Mozart, Brahms, Schubert, Debussy, Tchaikovsky) including a whole afternoon in May devoted to a Talking Adelaide fave, Beethoven. It also names Selby's guest artists.
You can check out the program here. A subscription to the concerts before November 1 saves 20% - essentially 5 concerts for the price of 4. And the next concert is Sunday, September 29 - perfect, gentle afternoon after a big Grand Final Saturday.