What happens when you get two of Australia's most intriguing musical minds in the one room? Conductor and keyboardist Roland Peelman has electrified the capital's classical music scene since taking over as artistic director of the Canberra International Music Festival. Meanwhile, gardening expert and maker of the Baroque "Bassoon-osaurus" Simon Rickard is not only one of Australia's top early music practitioners, he's also an expert on the ins and outs of heirloom vegetables. Join Simon and Roland as they talk everything from bassoons to broad beans, and Belgian beer to Buxtehüde.

Tickets: $15 (includes a complimentary glass of Canberra region wine or a soft drink)

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Participant Bios

Roland Peelman is Artistic Director of the Canberra International Music Festival. Born and raised in Belgium, Roland has lived in Australia since 1984 and worked across Australia, Europe and Asia as conductor or music director for organisations such as Opera Australia and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. For 25 years he was the Artistic Director of The Song Company. A regular guest at festivals in Australia and abroad, Roland continues to develop new projects that intend to change and re-invigorate the nature of concert, both in form and content.

Simon Rickard is a passionate gardener and plantsman. He was head gardener at the Diggers Club until 2009, before collaborating with restaurateur Annie Smithers in establishing her kitchen garden. Simon runs his own garden consultancy, as well as working as a garden communicator – writing books, giving workshops and leading international garden tours. Simon still finds time for a parallel career as a historical bassoonist with, among others, Pinchgut Opera, the Australian Haydn Ensemble, and his own renaissance consort, Unholy Rackett.