Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

Our tribute to the First People of this country marks the opening of the 2018 festival: an Indigenous take on the flow of the seasons by Canberra-based proud Yuin composer Brenda Gifford. Didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton spins a welcoming musical dialogue with our international guests, Ned McGowan, Susanna Borsch and Keiko Shichijo.

Bach Akademie Australia returns to the festival to lead us into the heart of Handel’s high drama. Countertenor Tobias Cole, on home ground, and mezzo-soprano Kate Howden, fresh from European success, meet centre stage for a festive display of famous Handel arias and duets.

PROGRAM

The Seasons - to include:

William Barton: Welcome to Country
Ned McGowan: Winter’s Breath
John Cage (1912-1992): “Spring” and “Summer” from The Seasons (1947)
Alistair Anderson: When the frosts are setting in
Anonymous: Rattlin’ Billie
Anonymous: Rattling Roaring Willy
Brenda Gifford: Gambambarawaraga (WP)

G. F. Handel (1685-1759): Arias and Duets:

“Oh that I on wings could rise” from Theodora HWV 68
“Oh Lord whose mercies numberless” from Saul HWV 53
“Se bramate d’amar chi vi sdegna” from Xerxes HWV 40
“Se in fiorito prato” from Giulio Cesare in Egitto HWV 17
“As with rosy steps” from Theodora HWV 68
“Son nata a lagrimar” from Giulio Cesare in Egitto HWV 17

ARTISTS

Bach Akademie Australia directed by Madeleine Easton
Kate Howden, mezzo-soprano
Tobias Cole, countertenor
William Barton, didgeridoo
Ned McGowan, contrabass flute
Susanna Borsch, recorder
Keiko Shichijo, piano
Children’s choirs Turner Trebles and Vocal Fry
        Vocal Fry is funded by ArtsACT and presented by ANU School of Music

Featured non-Australian music: John Cage, Alistair Anderson, Ned McGowan

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website or by phone on (02) 6230 5880 or by email to info@cimf.org.au

Featured Australian Works

Featured artists

• Performer William Barton
• New work by Brenda Gifford