top of page

Marimbafest 2020 Cancellation Notice (updated 19 April 2020)

MARIMBAFEST 2020 HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED TO JULY 2021

Due to the COVID-19 situation happening globally, we regret to inform that Marimbafest 2020 (originally scheduled for July 2020) has now been cancelled. 

We look forward to launching a new Marimbafest event in July 2021, and we welcome everyone to support us then.

All ticket holders have now been refunded. If you have any questions about this, please contact us.

Please stay safe during these next few months. Thank you for your support.

WHEN IS THE FESTIVAL?

Marimbafest 2020 happens from Friday 3rd July 2020 to Thursday 9th July 2020.
 
Participants must organise to arrive by the afternoon of Friday 3rd July 2020 and to depart on Friday 10th July 2020.
​
All participants will participate in events 10am to 9pm each day, including the workshops, classes, competition, private lessons, and other events like social activities and meal times. You can click here to check out the 2020 draft schedule for an idea of what to expect!
Marimbafest was a pivotal and a pioneering experience, a rare opportunity for me to not only see Australia for the first time but also to meet wonderful people I likely would never have otherwise met.
 
I’m immensely happy to have been a part, and would readily make my way back here again. 15,000 km from home, knowledge and adventure next door. I couldn't ask for more.
- Patrick Brennan (USA)
Marimbafest 2019 Participant
Second Prize, Marimbafest Marimba Competition
Vanderbilt University
ABOUT

WHERE IS THE FESTIVAL?

All Marimbafest events will be held at the University of Western Australia Conservatorium of Music, in Perth, Western Australia.
 
The UWA Conservatorium is the top ranking music school in Western Australia and Top 50 in the World's Best Performing Arts Schools.
​
Getting There For Overseas Visitors
There are many options for flying to Perth International Airport, including direct or one-stop flights from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and United States. We recommend using a search engine like Google Flights to find the best deal for you.
​
IMPORTANT:
You may need to apply for a Visitor visa online before flying to Australia. Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information in advance.
​
Getting There For Interstate Visitors
Qantas, Jetstar, Tigerair and Virgin Australia operate daily non-stop flights between Perth and all Australian capital cities.
​
Getting There For Local Residents​
The University is located just 10 mins away from Perth CBD in the suburb of Crawley, with multiple transportation options listed below. Please plan your transportation in advance as you may need to be at the Conservatorium between 9am to 9pm. We will not compensate for lateness due to transportation issues.
​
Transportation Options
  • Bus/Train: There are many buses that will take you directly to UWA. Visit the Transperth website for more details about services.
  • Car: As the Conservatorium is on the north-east corner of the University campus, it is surrounded by ample parking. This parking is free all day during weekends and free after 5pm on weekdays.
WHERE IS IT
WHAT'S HAPPENING
What a great and true honor it was to be a part of Marimbafest 2019, an event with the heart and spirit of great music sharing, which in my opinion is a true gift to all involved. 
 
The Marimbafest team did such a fantastic job of putting together not only a well-organized festival, but one that lifts up all who are there in the sharing and fascination of music-making, which is truly awesome!
- Dr Lynn Vartan (USA)
Marimbafest 2019/2020 International Faculty
Director of Percussion at Southern Utah University

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

The 6 days of Marimbafest 2020 will include:
​
The Marimbafest Opening Reception
to relax and meet everyone
FOR FESTIVAL PASS AND COMPETITION ONLY PASS PARTICIPANTS
The Opening Reception is back on the first Saturday night, giving you an opportunity to meet the faculty, staff and other guests who will be around during Marimbafest Week. There will also be major percussion brands exhibiting at the reception to give you a taste of the merchandise available throughout the week.
​
The 2020 Marimbafest Marimba Competition
to showcase your solo performance
FOR FESTIVAL PASS AND COMPETITION ONLY PASS PARTICIPANTS
Marimbafest 2020 will formally kick off with the second edition of the Marimbafest Competition! You will play a solo program in front of a live audience, and your performance will be judged by our 2020 Faculty Panel Dr Lynn Vartan (USA), Dr Weichen Lin (Taiwan/USA), Kana Omori (Japan), Dr Matthew Lau (Hong Kong), and Robert Oetomo (Australia). You will receive important feedback on your performance, and there will be numerous prizes available for the Top 3 as well as any other notable performances.
NEW FORMAT THIS YEAR: A CLASS (Under 18) and OPEN CLASS (Open Category)!
​
20+ Hours of Masterclasses, Workshops and Demonstrations
to boost your knowledge and skills
FOR FESTIVAL PASS PARTICIPANTS ONLY (SINGLE ENTRY PASS FOR OBSERVERS)
Over the course of the six days, you will receive over 20 hours of intensive masterclasses and workshops with our expert faculty Dr Lynn Vartan, Dr Wei-Chen Lin, Kana Omori, Dr Matthew Lau and Robert Oetomo, as well as interactive demonstrations from featured artists and industry representatives. These will cover many topics, including technique, performance, composition, ensemble skills and more!
​
Chamber Ensemble Rehearsals
to train your ensemble skills for a real performance
FOR FESTIVAL PASS PARTICIPANTS ONLY
As part of our Festival Ensemble, you will be assigned to a small chamber group with other participants. Your group will be mentored by either Dr Lynn Vartan, Dr Wei-Chen Lin, Kana Omori, Dr Matthew Lau and Robert Oetomo. Your group will then rehearse intensively with your mentor to produce a public performance of a set piece, as well as one large ensemble with all 2020 Participants!
​
2 Private Lessons with 2 Faculty Members
to learn more for your individual needs
FOR FESTIVAL PASS PARTICIPANTS ONLY
To further boost your knowledge and skills, each Participant is entitled to two private lessons with two faculty members of their choice (subject to availability). This is a good opportunity to learn directly from our faculty and you can feel free to conduct the lesson in any way you want!
​
6 Free Public Concert Performances
to inspire and share music
FREE FOR EVERYONE
Marimbafest 2019 will be highlighted with a whopping SIX major concert performances from the Faculty, the Competition Finalists, Featured Artists and the Festival Ensemble. Last year, over 50 works for solo, duo and ensemble were performed and premiered by everyone. All concerts are free to attend!
​

DISCOUNTED ACCOMMODATION
EXCLUSIVELY FOR MARIMBAFEST PARTICIPANTS

LAST ROOMS (ALMOST SOLD OUT!)

15% OFF

THE RATE OF ANY ST CATHERINE'S ON PARK ROOM
FOR STAYS BETWEEN 3RD JULY 2020 TO 10TH JULY 2020

ACCOMMODATION

WHERE CAN I STAY?

Accommodation is not included with any Marimbafest ticket options.
However, we are more than happy to help you find the right place to stay.
​
MOST CONVENIENT AND RECOMMENDED OPTION *ALMOST SOLD OUT*
For the most convenience, we highly recommend our on-campus option St Catherine's on Park.
You won't have to worry about transport as it is just a 5 minute walk away from the Conservatorium. 
 
St Catherine's on Park boasts large, comfortable rooms with either studio or one bedroom configurations and all accommodation includes daily housekeeping, free breakfast and free wi-fi. All Marimbafest participants receive an EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF on St Catherine's affordable studio and one-bedroom apartments, which can comfortably host up to 3 adults. Places are strictly limited so please register as soon as possible to get the best chance of booking.
 
If you would like this option, please specify you would like to stay at St Catherine's on Park in the registration form.
​
OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
There are a few other hotels near to the University, including:
  • Trinity on Hampden, a residential college hotel (SOLD OUT)
  • Kenata on Fairway, roomy two-bedroom apartments (SOLD OUT)
  • Captain Stirling, tavern style budget accommodation (7 min bus - we can drive you back at night)
  • Riverview Hotel, city-based boutique hotel (10 min bus - we can drive you back at night)
  • Airbnb rentals in or near the suburb of Crawley  (depending on location - we can drive you back at night)
 
If you need help finding accommodation, please specify this in the registration form.
For safety, we can assist with drop offs at night or pick ups in the morning to nearby accommodation locations if needed.
Marimbafest was an amazing opportunity to meet and work with international professional percussionists in my own city.
 
Having arranged percussion ensembles, lessons, dinner and concert practice provided were things I didn't experience on the other percussion events. I liked that the provided repertoire ranged from beginner pieces for 4 mallets to much harder pieces. Of the 3 major percussion events in Australia, this was definitely the most interactive percussion event I have ever been too.
- Chris Damant (AUSTRALIA)
Marimbafest 2019 Participant
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
REQUIREMENTS

WHAT DO I NEED?

We welcome players of all skill levels and experience backgrounds to participate in Marimbafest. However, it is expected that you have at least fundamental knowledge of how to play marimba.
 
Personal Requirements
  • At least 12 years of age from 1st January 2020 (no maximum age)
  • At least one year experience playing marimba and percussion at secondary/middle school level or higher
  • Chamber ensemble experience desirable
  • Basic understanding of English language (Chinese translation available)
​
If you do not meet all of the above requirements but you would still like to participate, please email us first at marimbafestaustralia@gmail.com with your information.
​
What else do I need?
  • Please bring at least ONE solo work from the Competition Repertoire List AND the Marimbafest 2020 Compulsory Work for your CLASS prepared for the Competition, as well as any other solos you wish to perform in workshops
  • Please bring a copy of your part for your Festival Ensemble group's work (this will be sent to you later)
  • Please bring any other music you wish to work through with Faculty in lessons
  • Instruments will be provided to you, but please bring your own mallets and sticks
  • Meals are included in the Festival Pass and are provided (all lunches and dinners plus snacks)
  • It is recommended you bring a 'concert black' outfit (e.g. black shirt, pants and shoes) for chamber ensemble performances, as well as any other outfits you would like to wear for the Competition
  • Transport is not included, so please organise your own transport to the Conservatorium or choose a closer accommodation option
​
If you think you have everything ready, go ahead and REGISTER NOW using the button below!
​
bottom of page