Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

Music and conservation unite to tell the enchanting story of one of the world’s most elusive birds.

In a world premiere, the enchanting story of one of the world’s most elusive birds will come to life through an intimate night of chamber music.

For nearly a century, the night parrot was believed to be extinct. That is until recently, when the species was sighted nestled amongst the spinifex in regional Queensland. Now, for the first time ever, the extraordinary story of this mysterious bird is being shared through music, with the world premiere of a commissioned work by revered Australian composer, Jessica Wells. 

Inspired by the melodic and haunting call of the night parrot, the composition features Mackay-born soprano Morgan England-Jones and Acacia Quartet to evocatively convey the plight of this elusive species.  

The concert will also feature additional repertoire inspired by birds from Australian composers Colin Brumby, Alfred Hill, John Spence, Alan Tregaskis and Sally Whitwell.

Join us on this magical journey of the night parrot as a century-long mystery comes to life.

Featuring

Morgan England-Jones
Acacia Quartet

​String Arrangements

Steve Newcomb
Sally Whitwell

​Acknowledgements

The Night Parrot composition is commissioned by Queensland Music Festival and Bush Heritage Australia. The Winton performance is supported by Tim Fairfax Family Foundation

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website or by phone on (07) 3010 6600 or by email to info@qmf.org.au

Featured artists

• New work by Jessica Wells
• Performer Morgan England-Jones
• Performer Acacia Quartet
• Music of Alfred Hill
• Music of Colin Brumby
• Music of John Spence
• Music of Sally Whitwell
• Music of Alan Tregaskis