Forest Collective: Asia In Focus

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Due to Melbourne’s lockdown in July, 2021 this performance has been combined with Australia & New Zealand In Focus and rescheduled to February 2022 under the new title, Shifting. Details for Shifting can be found here.

Asia is reshaping the modern world. Yet its rich artistic heritage and vibrant New Music scene is largely unknown in Australia. Forest Collective’s Ali Fyffe has curated a stunning program that brings into focus some of the region’s most powerful compositional voices, from Myanmar to Japan, China to Iran. 

 Navigating Eastern and Western traditions, new technologies and challenges including state censorship, these exciting composers have found unique and original musical voices. With a program including Ravi Shankar’s raga imbued Sonata for Harp and Cello, Takemitsu’s transcendental quintet Rain Spell and Luo Zhongrong’s post-Cultural Revolution pentatonic serialism, Asia in Focus will open your ears to a region that is changing the world.

Program:
Emily Koh  - Si fallor, sum*
Akira Nishimura - Threnody
Siraseth Pantura-umporn - Matter:Antimatter*
Alireza Farhang  - Neda*
Luo Maishuo  - On That Mountain Road**
Luo Zhongrong  - Cross the river to pick hibiscus
Luo Zhongrong  - 3 Autumn Songs
Ravi Shankar  - Sonata for harp and cello
Toru Takemitsu  - Rain Spell
Toru Takemitsu - Waves

*Australian Premier
**World premiere of a new arrangement by Evan J Lawson

Performers:
Ali Fyffe Saxophones, curator 
Danae Killian Piano 
Daniel Todd 鄭時雄 Tenor 
Evan J Lawson Conductor 
Helen Bower Violin 
Kim Tan Flutes
Phoebe Smithies Horn
Rosanne Hunt Cello 
Ryan Lynch Clarinet
Ryan Williams Recorders
Samantha Ramirez Harp 
Trea Hindley Trombone 
Zela Papageorgiou Percussion

Presented by Forest Collective & Abbotsford Convent, as part of Convent Live

Forest Collective is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and the City of Yarra