The Marais Project At 20: Times & Seasons
There is a triple treat in store for music lovers when the Marais Project celebrates 20 years of early music-making, launches its 20th anniversary CD and welcomes Elysian Fields to share the stage, preceded by the Independent Theatre’s legendary cakes and refreshments.
Times and Seasons pays homage to The Marais Project’s two decades as one of Australia’s most creative early music ensembles.
The event features special guest, Swedish gambist, Leif Henrikson, a long-term friend and colleague of revered lutenist and Marais Project original member, Tommie Andersson. Leif, who was a student of Jordi Savall, will perform exclusively with The Marais Project during his time in Australia. In addition to Tommie and Leif, other founding Marais Project members Cathy Upex and soprano Belinda Montgomery will also appear.
The first half of the concert features The Marais Project performing some of the best of the French Baroque repertoire, including music by Marin Marais for two viola da gambas and a cantata for soprano, two viola da gambas and continuo by Michel Pignolet de Montéclair.
As well, The Marais Project will release its 7th CD, The Garden Party on the day with audience members getting an advance opportunity to purchase a copy of this potential classic.
After the interval, Jenny Eriksson’s electric viola da gamba ensemble, Elysian Fields, will take to the stage. With members including jazz doyens, pianist Matt McMahon and saxophonist, Matt Keegan, Elysian Fields will play excerpts from their critically acclaimed Scandinavian Project including gorgeous arrangements of Swedish folk tunes. This will be the third occasion that The Marais Project and Elysian Fields have presented music for the acoustic and electric versions of the viola da gamba in the same concert.
Founded in 2000, The Marais Project has come to be recognised as one of Australia’s most innovative early music ensembles. During their 20-year history the group has recorded 7 highly regarded and diverse CDs. They have performed widely across Australia and in New Zealand and recorded studio concerts for ABC Classic. They are Fine Music 102.5’s “Ensemble in Residence” for 2018-19, while Elysian Fields are Fine Music’s Associate Artists in Residence.
Tickets: $49 adult, $32 concession/under 30, $22 student, $17 child
Bookings www.theindependent.org.au or call (02) 9955 3000
