Four Winds has announced acclaimed classical accordionist James Crabb as its new artistic director.
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It marks a return to the organisation’s Barragga Bay performance space for Mr Crabb, although he will often be behind the stage instead of on it – but not all the time.
“It’s not an office job, it’s very much about going out there and performing as well as inspiring and creating things,” he said.
“Music is something that brings us together, gives us hope and optimism, and makes us feel good.”
In his role, the Scottish-born musician will lead the organisation’s year-round program of activities as well as its biennial festival over Easter.
You may remember his face from Four Winds’ 2012 Easter Festival, where he played. He described the organisation’s performance spaces as incomparable to other sites around the world.
“It’s got the best facilities you could imagine, both indoor and outdoor,” he said.
Mr Crabb said as Four Winds has a year-round program, he would be open to it hosting art forms other than music, such as dance or spoken word.
He wanted to encourage more music education, with open discussions between musicians and the audience included in performances. He also hoped to see more shows in schools around the region.
As part of the year-round program, he wanted to host a diverse range of performers.
“The boundaries of classical, jazz, world and so on have been mixed together for the better,” he said.
“Music is music at the end of the day.”
Another idea he had was an outdoor cinema at the Four Winds site, with an orchestra playing the film’s music.
Mr Crabb, who lives in Sydney, wanted to let the community know anyone could visit Four Winds’ events.
“There is something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy,” he said.
Mr Crabb’s background includes performing with Neil Finn and Patti Smith, music theatre productions and contemporary dance collaborations.