BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
The Australian Art Orchestra is celebrating its 30th birthday. But it’s certainly not getting old.
Artistic director Aaron Choulai goes so far as to compare the organisation to the latest technology: “In the same way they keep making new iPhones, it’s important that we keep creating new work that is equally up to date with our evolution as a society and community.”
It’s a playful comparison from an artist who has had a life-long relationship with AAO. Knowing where the orchestra has come from helps him understand its place in today’s cultural landscape.
“Culture isn’t stagnant. Our identity, culture, and practice is forever evolving.”
Aaron first encountered the AAO in the ‘90s when he studied jazz at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School.
“Here was this ensemble that brought together all the musicians that I loved – and still do – into a group that seemed larger than anything else I’d heard at that point,” Aaron recalls.
It was music he says “blew my mind” and offered new perspectives on improvisation and the creative identities of artists working in this space.
“AAO exists to create new works that are reflective of who and what Australia is at the time of that work’s presentation,” Aaron says.
“It interrogates questions like: What does it mean to be an Australian artist? What is a contemporary culture in the creative arts that represents the new and old traditions of this place, our region, and our time?”
Finding answers to those questions has taken 30 years — and still counting. Through each decade, a new artistic director has helped the orchestra keep in touch with Australia’s communities of listeners and music-makers.
The AAO was founded in 1994 by Australian composer-pianist Paul Grabowsky AO. In 2013, Art Music Award-winning artist Peter Knight took on the role of leading the organisation (with friendship as a guiding principle). And since 2022, composer-pianist Aaron has been at the helm.
“With each change in leadership has come a new generation of musicians with new approaches, influences, and culture to speak to a new generation of audiences,” Aaron says.
“The more we sound like ourselves individually, the more we sound like ourselves as a collective community – and the more creative music in Australia becomes a language, culture, and discipline that is unique to our region.”
Paul and Peter will perform at the 30th birthday concert, along with fellow musicians who have featured with AAO over the years such as special guests Hikaru Tanaka (below, credit Toshi Ijuin) and Kutcha Edwards.
“Unlike a traditional orchestra where many musicians come together for the goal of expressing one voice – i.e. the composer – each member of the AAO contributes their own personal distinct voice, and spontaneously contributes to the composition during performance, changing, moulding and adding to the direction of the composition in real time.”
Aaron and associate artist Sofia Carbonara will premiere new works in the birthday concert. The AAO will also give a throwback performance of Ringing the Bell Backwards, which featured in the orchestra’s 1994 debut.
“This is all to celebrate the rich legacy, community, and culture the AAO has fostered across 30 years of activity,” Aaron says.
To Aaron, the Melbourne Recital Centre is the ideal venue for the orchestra’s big event: the two organisations have shared “a very close relationship for many years”.
“As with any birthday party, you want your family and friends there to celebrate with you,” Aaron says.
“It’s a simple as that – it’s a big night to produce, so it’s great to be surrounded by close community in the audience as well as behind the scenes.”
Be part of the Australian Art Orchestra 30th Anniversary Concert at 7pm, November 15 in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.
Featured image of AAO Ensemble by Cam Matheson.
