The musical program featured an array of guitar masterpieces from Italy, Spain and South America and captured the thrill, romance and passion of the Latin guitar. The live performance was matched only by the landmark venue – Port Phillip Estate – that provided the space that fused exceptional music, landmark architecture, fine food and wine together.

Collaborations between Port Phillip Estate and the Peninsula Summer Music Festival are becoming legendary now, which is great for lovers of the Pen and music. They’re also getting harder to get into as they are a small intimate affair so a first in best dressed basis is at play. The only downside is that most events sell out within hours of announcement. This is the second event we have attended and we encourage all readers to keep the feelers out for any more that might surface in future.

Port Phillip Estate is an incredible space that fuses exceptional music, landmark architecture, fine food and wine.

Massimo Scattolin began his concert career as a soloist, developing his chamber music and orchestral activities to include some of the best-known concertos for guitar and orchestra. Composers such as Astor Piazzolla and Violet Archer have written musics for him. Massimo thus rose to the attention of European and American audiences, and has been described by critics as being one of the best guitarists of our times.

We were in the presence of two musical superstars.

Events like this at Port Phillip Estate are intimate something not quite replicated in MEL.

Sergio Ercole is one of Australia’s leading classical/Latin guitarists. Born in Florence, Italy, Sergio spent his early years in the Tuscan city before moving to Australia. Sergio has spent a significant time abroad, studying and performing extensively throughout the Mediterranean from mastering flamenco guitar in Spain, studying in Sienna and performing with Italy’s guitar greats along the Adriatic Coast.

‘Brothers in arms’ – bravo gentlemen!

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Beware the mesmerising hands of Matt Stonehouse.

If ever there was a perfect night to showcase the very best of the Mornington Peninsula’s architecture, arts, community, gourmet, panoramas and wine then Alwan’s performance at Port Phillip Estate – part of this years Peninsula Summer Music Festival’s After Hours series – is our #1 candidate.

Introducing Phil Carroll on the accordion, ney flute, duduk, zurna…kitchen sink? We wouldn’t put it past him.

Matt was equally supported by the silky skills of Phil Carroll (accordion, ney flute, duduk, zurna, vocals) – both Melbourne-born musicians trained in Turkey and Iran – and the flair of Israel-born Yuval Ashkar (oud, vocals, percussion). The band came together to entertain, inspire and play their brand of Turkish, Arabic, Persian and Sephardic music to what was a sell out crowd.

Worthy of being the centre of attention – Mr. Yuval Ashkar.

It can be said that the drums, accordion and oud of Alwan may be from a time that has passed, however they formed the backbone of music on the night that sweetly moved and caressed to the tune of our modern day lives. There was even a break away shoe tapping, hand clapping set of patrons that formed part of the rear guard in what was a very relaxed and informal evening of entertainment. All that was missing we’re a few Hookah’s (water pipes) to further authenticate the funky experience.

The sublime Port Phillip Estate was an ideal venue.

On a final note LTP we’re lucky to witness another mesmerising performance that formed part of this years Peninsula Summer Music Festival (PSMF). We take this opportunity to thank Russell, Jenny, Julia and the rest of the PSMF team for this wonderful event. We’re lucky to have access to so many world class acts and performances over the summer festive season in the Mornington Peninsula. Keep up the great work and we look forward to the launch of PSMF#7 in 2013. For those who missed out join the mailing list and keep in the loop with next years event.

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