CONTENT COURTESY MELBOURNE DIGITAL CONCERT HALL
The National Art School has joined Melbourne Digital Concert Hall as a presenting partner for a series of extraordinary concerts in the school’s Cell Block Theatre, bringing live performance to music lovers at home, wherever they are.
From 24 September to 30 October 2020, some of Australia’s most outstanding and accomplished musicians will give performances broadcast live online for audiences all over the country and overseas, curated by dynamic MDCH artistic director Chris Howlett.
The program begins with didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton (pictured above; credit Keith Saunders) joined by violinist Véronique Serret and string quartet for Light of the Everlast, exploring the songlines of the modern world; followed by vibrant and beloved composer Elena Kats-Chernin on piano playing a lively mix of her works called Don’t Medley with Me!
Simon Tedeschi, Jane Rutter, Kathy Selby, the Goldner String Quartet, The Song Company, Kirsty McCahon, and many more will be connecting to audiences, returning to perform what they do best in what has been an enormously difficult time for artists everywhere.
Melbourne Digital Concert Hall launched in March 2020, created by visionary artistic director and cellist Chris Howlett and experienced arts manager Adele Schonhardt to help Australian performers hit hard by Coronavirus as their incomes disappeared overnight.
Since MDCH’s first event on March 27, they have streamed 155 concerts around the country and overseas, from Berlin to London to Singapore; earned $650,000 in ticket revenue for Australian artists; and attracted a dedicated and enthusiastic audience of more than 10,000 ticket buyers. Tickets for the concerts are $24, making them affordable and accessible.
“We’re thrilled to present this amazing line-up of Sydney artistry showcasing such a wide breadth of genres and periods,” said Chris Howlett.
“This season supports over 70 New South Wales-based musicians but also warms the hearts and living rooms of Victorian audience members in lockdown, and others around Australia. On behalf of all musicians, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to the National Art School and Create NSW for their support.”
National Art School Director and CEO Steven Alderton said “NAS is fully committed to supporting artists and making art accessible to everyone, particularly during these difficult times”.
“Our beautiful and atmospheric Cell Block Theatre is the ideal venue to host these extraordinary musicians and singers, we welcome them and the audience members treated to these live performances at home.”
“Bringing these two organisations together is a huge win for these superb performers and audiences all over Australia hungry to hear live music return,” added the Hon. Don Harwin, New South Wales Minister for the Arts.
“This innovative and successful endeavour has helped keep the creative arts alive, sparking new connections and supporting artists. I look forward to joining the virtual audience attending these unique concerts.”
Visit the Melbourne Digital Concert Hall for info and bookings; and the National Art School website to learn more about this partner.
