Melbourne’s contemporary art music ensemble Rubiks will present songbirdsongs at 7pm, September 28 at Brightspace Gallery. In a concert expressing nature and birdsong through contemporary music, songbirdsongs will features two world premieres by emerging Australian composers, commissioned by Rubiks and supported by the City of Port Phillip, and the Australian premiere of Pulitzer Prize winning composer John Luther Adams’ songbirdsongs.
In recognition of the current collisions faced between the natural world and modern technology, Rubiks presents a program comprising of two newly commissioned works for solo instrument and electronics from two of Australia’s most exciting emerging composers. This includes the world premieres of a new work for alto flute and live electronics by Rubiks’ pianist and composer Jacob Abela, and a new work for percussion, taped bird songs, and field recordings from Japanese temples by Sydney-based composer Chris Williams.
These works are paired together with the Australian premiere of Pulitzer Prize winning composer John Luther Adams’ seminal work songbirdsongs. Adams has spoken at length about the intimate relationship between his music and the landscape of Alaska, where he lived and worked for more than 30 years, and this piece is a study of both birdsong and the spontaneous sounds and rhythms found in nature.
Program:
John Luther Adams – songbirdsongs (1974-1980) Australian Premiere
Jacob Abela – gonzo (I want more from you) (2016) World Premiere
Chris Williams – new work (2016) World Premiere
Rubiks Collective with guests…
Flutes – Tamara Kohler
Piccolo – Eliza Shepherd
Cello – Gemma Tomlinson
Percussion – Hamish Upton
Keyboards – Jacob Abela
Percussion – Madi Chwasta
Percussion – Kaylie Melville
Event information:
Venue: Brightspace Gallery (8 Martin St, St Kilda VIC 3182)
Date: 7pm, 28 September
Ticket Prices: $15/$10 concession
Bookings: www.rubikscollective.com
