Trailblazing performing arts company Forest Collective joins forces with local Geelong composer and pianist Kym Alexandra Dillon and baritone Stephen Marsh, for an afternoon of inspiring and beautiful new music. 

Marsh’s expressive and multifaceted baritone gives voice to the restless thoughts and reflections of a 'self' stuck in a mental labyrinth, singing fragments of text from the Danish existential philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. In a cycle of continual self-construction and deconstruction, moving through darkly comic/tragic musings and elusive despair, Portrait of a Self depicts an individual struggling to dig beneath their consciousness, making sense of their condition and becoming ‘real’, while the music itself fluctuates in its stylistic identity. 

Dillon’s composition is born from a very specific experience, but resonates with a broader story of mental health, selfhood, and unearthing identity in its most foundational sense. 

Even to see oneself in the mirror, one must recognise oneself. 

For unless one does that, one does not see oneself, only a human being.

-Søren Kierkegaard

The event will also feature Dillon’s Flute Sonata, performed by soloist Brighid Mantelli, as well as Komorebi by New Zealand composer Salina Fisher.

This project is supported by a Community Grant from the City of Greater Geelong.

The Band.

Alex MacDonald Viola

Brighid Mantelli Flute (guest musician)

Caerwen Martin Cello (guest musician)

Evan J Lawson Conductor 

Glavier Aldana Noriega harp

Helen Bower Violin 

Kym Alexandra Dillon Piano, composer, guest curator 

Hamish Upton Percussion (guest musician)

Ian Crossfield Double Bass

Natasha Conrau Violin (guest musician) 

Noah Lawrence Cello (guest musician)

Phoebe Smithies Horn

Rosanne Hunt Cello

Ryan Lynch Clarinet

Sara Rafferton Bassoon (guest musician)

Stephen Marsh Baritone voice (guest musician) 

Zela Papageorgiou Percussion