LIGHT AND MATTER
From mystical folktales to fading memories, Light and Matter responds to experiences beyond our physical world.
DETAILS
Saturday 3 August, The Sydney Opera House Utzon Room
Wednesday 7 August, The Street Theatre, Canberra
PROGRAM
Bree van Reyk – Remnant Magnetism (2024)*
Kaija Saariaho – Light and Matter (2014)
May Lyon – Do Na Chaill (2024)*
Georges Aperghis – Wild Romance (2013)**
*World Premiere
**Australian Premiere
PERFORMERS
Claire Edwardes (Artistic Director, percussion)
Jane Sheldon (soprano)
Lamorna Nightingale (flutes)
Ben Opie (oboe)
Jason Noble (clarinets)
Véronique Serret (violin)
Andrew Jezek (viola)
Blair Harris (cello)
Jack Symonds (piano)
Niki Johnson (percussion)
DESCRIPTION
Joined by renowned soprano Jane Sheldon, Ensemble Offspring’s octet perform two world premieres, a visceral Australian premiere and a classic from a recently departed icon. From mystical folktales to haunting fragments of fading memories, this is a program which is truly out of this world.
Georges Aperghis' Wild Romance isn't as tender as the title suggests, but is undeniably passionate. Extreme tensions between the vocalist and chamber ensemble evoke the reconstruction of a painful distant memory. Kaija Saariaho's Light and Matter captures the continuous transformation of light on glinting leaves in New York's Morningside Park. World premieres by Australians Bree van Reyk and May Lyon navigate the intangible and mystical themes of the program, including Scottish folklore and disembodied voices.
“There is a particular passion that emanates from dedicated exponents of brand new and recent music. The expert contemporary musicians assembled to present Ensemble Offspring’s latest programme, Light and Matter definitely conveyed an endearing enthusiasm for the intricacies and concepts of the works presented.”
“Sydney is so fortunate to have such a talented group of musicians utterly committed to contemporary music. They bravely tackle music that to mere mortals just seems absolutely daunting. Thank you Ensemble Offspring for this wonderful and inspiring concert.”
DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM
Ensemble Offspring is assisted by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
