AGOSTINO - CARROLL

It's difficult to find a family line, where there is no talent for music, shining brightly. I have searched all branches of the 'Tree', and found so many oases of talent, it shocks me. If you look closely, you'll see them, too. From the Hannells to the Carrolls, someone always turns up, with a penchant for musical appreciation, and performance.

Clarence Hannell often raised money for the Newcastle Hospital effort, by performing in concerts. Many of the HANNELL family such as John A. HANNELL, a classical pianist, can be noted.

Martin James CARROLL was classically trained, and played the violin, John Hannell CARROLL had a business Importing Pianos, and all of his family were musical, to some degree - especially my grandmother, Pauline and her brother, Thomas, was a Cellist. Another brother, a son of Gordon, Wallace Bruce Carroll, has been associated with Australian Orchestras for many years. Roger Bede CARROLL's family were most exceptional in the 'entertainment' game, with many acclaimed performers - Garnet, Dorothy RICKETTS, wife of Roger, Noreen, Astrutha. Then, there's more relatives than I can count - like my Dad (Noel), his brother, Owen, cousins, like Lynne and Janet. Uncles and Aunts, cousins, like Patty ROBERTSON, née JONES, and assorted kin, I'm sure I've forgotten some. My sister, Helen, plays the piano, and even I know how to strum the guitar!


... and, the shining lights continue to glow. DUO AGOSTINO - Janet, née CARROLL, and husband, Raffaele AGOSTINO. What a perfect union, for the continuation of our family's musical heritage. Janet and Raffaele play classical guitar.

Janet's parents are Alan Benjamin CARROLL, and Gloria Adele, née LEAVER. Her sister Lynne, is also an wonderfully accomplished classical pianist, and music teacher, in Sydney. Janet is holder of the A.M.E.B. Associate and Licentiate Diplomas, as well as the Fellowship Diploma from the Trinity College of London. She has been a performer, and classical guitar teacher, for over 25 years.

Raffaele Agostino, was born in the Calabria region, of Italy, and is holder of the L.mus.A. He is also an A.M.E.B. examiner. He is currently, the Artistic Director of the Classical Guitar Society, and Assistant Lecturer in Guitar, at the Conservatorium of Music, Sydney.

Both Janet and Raffaele are Life Members of the Classical Guitar Society, a mark of the esteem in which they are held, and for their outstanding contributions.

Janet and Raffaele formed the Sydney Guitar Quartet, in 1981, and later, in 1996, the Sydney Guitar Trio, with friend, Richard CHARLTON. They also perform together, as Duo Agostino.

I've had the pleasure of meeting them both, and the even more delighful pleasure of hearing them perform - LIVE! Janet and Raff, have played nearly all over the world, and have several successful CDs - namely the solo album by Raff, "Whispering from the cedar top", (1998) - works by Richard Charlton and Phillip HOUGHTON, the first release from Duo Agostino, titled "Under the same sky", and The Sydney Guitar Trio's "One hour to madness and joy".

The music is of contemporary style, and was composed by such noted artists as Richard Charlton, Phillip Houghton, Alan Holly, Maximo Diego Pujol, Ariel Ramirez, Leo Brouwer, Timothy O'Carolan, and Celso Machado. Please visit Janet and Raffaele's website, to sample these.

What a continuing thrill it is, to have musicians of this calibre, as members of our family! Keep your eyes peeled for another Agostino, too. I believe the musical career of one of Janet and Raff's daughters, is also progressing nicely!

References: Agostino Music


Written permission was gained from Janet Agostino for use of photographs in this post.


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