The Australian World Orchestra’s world may have shrunk without expat musicians and conductors, but the Australian-based musicians produced a dawn sequence of atmospherics.
Music / “The Surge”, Ensemble Offspring, National Film and Sound Archive, Arc Cinema, May 21. Reviewed by
ROB KENNEDY
AUSTRALIAN composers would be much worse off if not for Ensemble Offspring. In an all-Australian music concert, this group not only showed how good it is but how necessary it has become to help get local music out to eager audiences.
In a rare septet format in tribute to John Williams’ ensemble Attacca, Ensemble Offspring was joined by guitarists Vladimir Gorbach and Andrew Blanch to celebrate Williams’ contribution to Australian music with reimagined performances of works by Peter Sculthorpe and Nigel Westlake.
Ensemble Offspring also performed pieces by composers Jessica Wells, Robert Davidson and Felicity Wilcox. These new works were commissioned to create music that address Australia’s cultural past, present and future. Blue Mountains-based video artists Peachey and Mosig created striking video projections to accompany the show.
Tammi Gissell and ensemble conducted by Roland Peelman. Photo: Peter Hislop.
Canberra International Music Festival / Concert 21, “Rainbow Serpent”, James O Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery Of Australia, May 9. Reviewed by
LEN POWER.
THE myths of the Rainbow Serpent have cultural significance around the world.
Its meaning can differ greatly between indigenous peoples so it was appropriate that this concert entitled “Rainbow Serpent” should have a variety of elements.
After singing a tentative version of “Advance Australia Fair” called “Anthem Combined”, the first performer, Joe Geia, an influential singer/songwriter in the development of contemporary indigenous music, hit his stride with three of his own songs.