The Wetlands Song by Bermagui Primary School and Yuin Artists

Four Winds Radical Voice #2 | Costa Georgiadis | 8 June 2016

James Crabb, an internationally acclaimed classical accordionist and a highly respected and passionate music educator, as just been announced as Four Winds new Artistic Director.  Here he is being interview on ABC South East last week including a few pieces played live in the studio.

Four Winds new Artistic Director James Crabb_ABC South East radio Oct2016

The Board of Four Winds, Australia’s renowned fine music organisation, has today announced that Chair, Sheena Boughen, has advised she will be stepping down from the role at the AGM in December 2016.

Ms Boughen has served as Chair for over a decade and was a founding member of the Board when Four Winds held its first Easter festival in 1991. Under Sheena’s leadership, Four Winds has developed from a biennial festival with makeshift facilities into one of Australia’s most recognised music organisations, attracting the best Australian and International artists.  Sheena has overseen the creation of the exquisite Four Winds’ site, Nature’s Concert Hall, that provides outdoor and indoor facilities of international standing and was the driving force attracting significant private philanthropic support and grants from both State and Federal Governments.

With the appointment of James Crabb as Artistic Director, Sheena believes that now is an ideal time to step away from the role and that Four Winds is in great shape. “Four Winds is now an established national arts organisation and well placed to meet the challenges which lie ahead in the next phase of our development.”

Michael Darling, who has been a Four Winds Board Director for several years, will take over as Chair.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, Michael said: “What Sheena has achieved at Four Winds, shows what is possible when someone with a vision decides that no obstacles will stand in the way of success. Sheena is driven by the desire to make a difference, and enthuses all who she meets with her warmth and generosity of spirit. Her passion for community, music and education has been at the heart of creating our exquisite, performance space, Nature’s Concert Hall.”

Under her stewardship, Sheena has led a team that has generated total income for arts and capital projects of $6.6m cash and over $1m pro bono. She has steered the organisation to generate significant partnerships including the Sydney Opera House and the Australian National Academy of Music, and with architects Philip Cox and Clinton Murray who designed Nature’s Concert Hall.  Four Winds 25th birthday has been celebrated this year, having presented 18 festivals, commissioned 16 new Australian works, contracted 330 artists and 50 ensembles to Bermagui, alongside 13 local ensembles with a total of 45,000 attendees, under the leadership of seven Artistic Directors. This has resulted in locals and visitors generating economic activity in the region, adding economic value of over $3m to the local economy.

Sheena’s attention to the highest standards of quality and to deeply caring for all who come into contact with Four Winds (artists, audiences, participants) has been at the heart of our success. Sheena will be greatly missed but her legacy of enduring care is now deeply embedded in our culture.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution, the Board has announced that Sheena has accepted a role as our first Four Winds Life Ambassador and we are delighted that she will maintain her link to Four Winds.

Sheena will be spending more time in her consulting business supporting leaders through her strategic facilitation and mentoring expertise, and of course, new adventures.

Four Winds Bermagui exists to provide a home for music making where the creation and performance of music (and related performing arts) fires the imagination, enriches lives and encourages active participation. Nature’s Concert Hall is now welcoming audiences all year round who are drawn to the magnificent alchemy of music and nature that is the essence of Four Winds.

www.fourwinds.com.au/whats-on

ABC South East Local Treasure | Sheena Boughen, Four Winds Chair

ANAM MUSIC MAKERS
As part of the creative partnership between the Australian National Academy of Music and Four Winds, the ANAM Music Makers Residency hopes to give young and emerging musicians with opportunities for performance, ensemble consolidation, strategic direction, and artistic leadership in a community context.

Aurelia Trio Live ABC South East NSW

Aurelia Trio Beethoven Movement Live ABCSENSW

The Four Winds Radical Voice Talk Series continues featuring leading producer and promoter of the arts and artists of Australia throughout the world, Justin Macdonnell, presenting a talk and discussion on Chaos Theory & The Arts.

www.fourwinds.com.au

Radical Voice #4 | Justin Macdonnell | Chaos Theory & The Arts

A high-quality music venue on the Far South Coast of NSW, Australia. We believe in community, nature, and the power of music.