Piano Dialogues - Byron Mark & Diego Duarte

Name: Piano Dialogues - Byron Mark & Diego Duarte
Start: 2025-11-01T09:00:00+11:00
Location: Annandale Creative Arts Centre

Schedule

Sat, 01 Nov, 2025 at 09:00 am

UTC+11:00

Location

Annandale Creative Arts Centre | Pyrmont, NS

Two Sydney-based pianists and composers, Diego Duarte and Byron Mark will present an exciting evening of original music with their trios. Diego and Byron have years of experience performing in various genres with different artists, and this depth of knowledge has inspired them to create unique music with their ensembles.
BYRON MARK:
Byron Mark - Piano
Maharshi Raval - Tabla
Josiah Chavez - Drums
Lauren Majarres - Flamenco Dance (special guest)
Byron is a professional pianist, percussionist and composer, with over 20 years of live performance experience in Australia, and internationally. His depth of knowledge in many musical styles allows him to collaborate with numerous different artists of varying genres; spanning jazz and flamenco, to funk and pop.
Byron’s performance at the Annandale Creative Arts Centre will be a special showcase of his original work, featuring a dynamic trio with Byron on piano/percussion, Maharshi Raval on tabla, and Josiah Chavez on drums. They will perform select pieces from Byron’s latest album Odyssey. These compositions are inspired by flamenco rhythms, coloured with Latin and Jazz harmonies, whilst staying true to his classical piano roots. They will also be joined by special guest flamenco dancer Lauren Majarrés throughout the concert.
Lauren is an acclaimed professional flamenco dancer, choreographer and teacher in Australia, and has worked together with Byron on various flamenco projects over the past 10 years. Having been a part of the flamenco scene in Sydney for over 15 years and surrounded by her Spanish heritage, Lauren brings ‘Duende’ (Soul) and ‘Arte’ (Art) to the stage when she dances. Known for her impressive footwork and deep connection to the music, it is always special to see her bring the music to life with her rhythmic interpretations.
Byron has been performing and collaborating with Maharshi for nearly 15 years in various projects. Maharshi is a guru on the tabla, where his rhythmic precision on the instrument is mesmerising. A special energy ignites the stage when Byron and Maharshi share their rhythms and creative flair.
Josiah Chavez is an emerging drummer on the Sydney music scene, quickly gaining attention for his incredible talent and dynamic touch around the kit. Despite his young age, Josiah brings a mature musicality and expressive energy to every performance. With a deep passion for gospel music, he combines soulful groove with a natural flair for improvisation and versatility across a range of styles. On the stage, Josiah’s rhythmic sensitivity and creativity make him one of the most exciting young drummers to watch.
Byron’s recent album ‘Odyssey’ received an ARIA nomination for Best World Music Album in 2023, and his debut solo release ‘Amalgamation’ earned him top 5 in Australia for Instrumental Composition at the Australian Independent Music Awards.
“Byron Mark imparts seriously high-octane energy to both the ensemble players and the audience” (Barry O’Sullivan; Fine Music Magazine)
DIEGO IDARRAGA DUARTE:
Diego is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer and conductor who has explored a wide range of genres and formats. His concert experience ranges from performing with symphony orchestras to playing with rock bands and classical solo recitals at numerous important venues such as Sydney Opera House, House of Blues in L.A, in countries such as Australia, USA, Canada and Colombia.
Diego’ s compositions have been performed by known ensembles in Sydney such as Iron Bark Ensemble and Quart-Ed and have had praising reviews such as the following by Paul Nolan: « This composer approached his assignment with his signature depth of analysis and careful selection of musical material to depict the big picture, however tortured. His three movement work with analytical titles relating to the portrait’s shock value. He had plenty of material to highlight Ironbark Ensemble’s solo and group voices. The players delivered this vivid musical commentary in clear broad strokes and exciting busy detail. »
DR J Trio is formed by Diego Idarraga Duarte, Richard Driscoll on double-bass and James Wright on the Drums. DR J’s music explores musical form and textural possibilities between three musicians combining the essence of jazz, progressive music, classical and rock.