Rare writers inspire Halcyon’s ‘Life on Paper’
“Write in this book – Things that I see
Things that I hear and know”
Sei Shonagon, circa 1000
How do three composers respond to three writers from very different worlds?
Take a rich and stimulating musical journey with Halcyon inspired by poets and writers who help us understand our lives from every wondrous angle.
Federico Garcia Lorca’s dark and brooding fragments are woven into George Crumb’s Madrigals 1 and 2; the classical Haiku poet and priest Kobayashi Issa reflects on the small wonders abounding in the natural world in Joseph Schwantner’s Sparrows; and Sei Shonagon, Japanese court lady and author of The Pillow Book, lists her vivid collection of gossip, poetry and observations of court life in a new Halcyon commission by Andrew Schultz, I am writing in this book. Join Halcyon, Australia’s only ensemble dedicated to new vocal chamber music, for this music of exceptional beauty and insight.
Regarded as a leading exponent in the field of new music, Halcyon presents stunning performances of vocal chamber music from around the world, with a special emphasis on Australian content. Artistic directors and singers Jenny Duck-Chong and Alison Morgan direct the popular Halcyon concert series, showcasing many rarely heard international works and premiering new offerings from some of Australia’s most esteemed composers, including Nigel Butterley, Andrew Ford, Elliott Gyger, Raffaele Marcellino, Rosalind Page and Nicholas Vines.
In Life on Paper, Morgan and Duck-Chong are joined by an array of elite instrumentalists under the baton of conductor David Stanhope.
David Stanhope conductor
Alison Morgan soprano
Jenny Duck-Chong mezzo soprano
Laura Chislett Jones flutes
Diana Springford clarinets
Alex Norton violin
Luke Spicer viola
Geoffrey Gartner cello
Jenny Druery double bass
Zubin Kanga piano
Melina van Leewen harp
Daryl Pratt percussion
Anna Zeltzer percussion
Tickets $35/$25.
Call 02 8256 2222 or 1300 797 118 for bookings
or on-line at www.cityrecitalhall.com
