Where Song Began

Inspired by leading ornithologist Tim Low’s award-winning book, this 50-minute performance explores the Australian origins of songbirds, ‘the birds that can sing’. Such is their evolutionary significance, ‘one may ask whether human music would have reached the heights it has, had the first songbird not sung in an Australian rainforest.’ Accessible for all ages, this work encourages the audience to contemplate the origin of song and the importance of Australia's rich and colourful bird history. The program includes music spanning 300 years, from Johann Heinrich Schmelzer and J.S. Bach to Arvo Pärt and new Australian works, enhanced by a film of evocative visual projections and an immersive soundscape. About the performers: Simone Slattery was recently awarded a PhD in Music Performance from the University of Adelaide and performs regularly with Australia’s finest ensembles. Anthony Albrecht is an Australian graduate of The Juilliard School’s Historical Performance program and is now based in London. More info visit www.wheresongbegan.com Performance length: 60 minutes without interval, including a Q&A Program: Arvo Pärt - Fratres for solo violin, 1977 Sarah Hopkins - Reclaiming the Spirit, 1993 Vaughan Williams - The Lark Ascending, 1917 Chris Williams - bird, songs, seas, 2017 Ross Edwards - Ecstatic Dance No.2, 1990 Johann Heinrich Schmelzer - Cucu Sonata, 1664 J.S. Bach - Prelude from Cello Suite No.1, c.1720 David Lang - Anthochaera carunculate (Red Wattle Bird), New Commission, 2017 Ngarra Burra Ferra - Traditional Indigenous hymn ABC Radio National Feature: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/where-song-began/9811914 Music Australia article: https://musicaustralia.org.au/2018/07/music-meets-birdcall-the-australian-way-where-song-began/