Duo Diavolo is an exciting musical duo of violin and guitar featuring award-winning artists Dora Maria (Violin) and Duncan Gardiner (classical guitar). Together, they bring passion and excitement into every performance. Duo Diavolo strive to present a wide range of musical styles from original compositions to up-beat world music, cool Jazz, Gypsy Swing, Tango, Latin dance-music as well as high-lights from the classical repertoire. The duo has had much success as a professional ensemble ideal for performing back-ground music for corporate events, weddings and private functions. In addition to this, the duo often appears in recital at a number of prestigious venues around Perth and other regional centres.

Together and individually Duo Diavolo have played at such noted events as the Australian of the Year Awards, Good Citizen of the Year Awards, Australian Woman of the Year ceremony, the International Women’s Day (hosted by Jeff Newman), The Victorian Bushfire Appeal (hosted by Perth TV personality, Todd Johnson), and an Appealathon ball (with Tina Altieri). In addition to this, they have been invited to play for celebrity weddings, in the company of the Dalai Lama and for the exhibition opening of the prominent Australian artist, Greg Baker (with guest speaker, former Premier, Geoff Gallop).

The members of the duo have toured to destinations such as Scotland, England, Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Italy and Austria, in addition to musical activities both interstate and regionally. The pair have been members of such orchestras as the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Youth Orchestra, the Western Australian Youth Orchestra, the Juniper Chamber Orchestra as well playing in orchestras for travelling musical theatre and Australian Ballet shows Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific, War of the Worlds and Swan Lake to name but a few.

. 

Well, what can I say? First on the programme, the only one to perform his own music, with a gorgeous duet partner, playing splendid music with superb style!"   

 

A long awaited addition to the local music scene, August Third fills the void with its fresh acoustic sound and unique blend of classical guitar, African percussion, keyboards, vocals, violin, flute and versatile multi-instrumentalists. The three members comprise of Duncan Gardiner, Ben Kossenberg, and Hayley Wiegmink. The three friends met whilst studying classical music at the West Australia Academy of Performing Arts in 2001.  
 
After years of focus on classical repertoire the desire to explore something new, something different, something more mainstream, grew stronger. Hayley and Ben set out to travel abroad to discover inspiration towards building a new life however the travel only inspired a recognition of the opportunity of their musical career back home. They decided to approach good friend and colleague Duncan with the idea of forming a trio. After much discussion and deliberation of ideas via email, they finally got together back in Perth and created what is now known as August Third.  
 
Each band member contributes a unique style of composition creating a varied and diverse repertoire. Their performances bring original music with sounds derived from Latin, Jazz, Classical, African and World Music. As well as aspiring to make a stand in the Australian music industry, August Third hopes to inspire and entertain their audiences with honest, heartfelt lyrics and music aside from their playful antics and humorous nature.  
 
To Hayley, Ben and Duncan, music isn't just a career or a hobby, nor a skill or trade - to them it's their life, heart and soul and the group's strength stems from their shared passion for music and long lasting friendship.

"August Third presented 3 original works. The music - a fusion of pop and latin with lush rhythms and wonderful vocals - was in very capable hands. Hayley Wiegmink (percussion and vocals), Ben Kossenberg (flute, percussion, vocals) and Duncan (guitar and vocals) displayed their versatility as musicians. Ben in particular has a fine voice that is reminiscent of a young Jose Feliciano. The trio's presentation was extremely prepared and polished"