Sweeping Plains of Sound

An immersive evocation of the Victorian Volcanic Plains Grasslands, Grasslands Suite features the haunting sounds of Hindustani sarod and tabla joined by French horn, solo cello, a classical string ensemble, a grasslands ecologist and an extended duet for clarinet and piano. This world premiere is a rare opportunity to experience the suite in its entirety.

The Victorian Volcanic Plains Grasslands are a unique, richly biodiverse ecosystem once stretching from Melbourne to the Western District, which now survives in critically endangered fragments. Each of the ten movements of this suite evokes an aspect of grasslands ecology, ranging from the geological shifts in deep time which laid the basalt plains, to minute details of the fauna and flora whose intricate dance has sustained life over more than a million years. In response to the delicate textures, exquisite forms and powerful resilience of the grasslands ecosystem, the music explores a variety of contemporary techniques, favouring immersive soundscapes teeming with gesture. The work integrates improvisations drawing on the Hindustani classical tradition with through-composed notated material. A playful, virtuosic duet for clarinet and piano illustrates endemic grasslands animals and birds.

PROGRAM

Grasslands Suite world premiere
1. Grassy Plains (sonic introduction)
2. Seasons on Earth (deep time)
3. Emerging Things/Flower Sketches (Spring)
4. Seed Set (Summer)
5. Mysterious Flight (fauna)
6. Fire Mosaic (end of Summer)
7. Biomass, Autumn, Winter
8. Spring Rains - Ephemeral Wetlands
9. Wild, Resurgent (dance of the grasslands)
10. Swaying, Shimmering (tutti dance of the grasslands)

CREDITS

Kate Tempany - composer
Dr Adrian Marshall - text and narration
Dr Adrian McNeil - sarod
Bobby Singh - tabla
Daniel Smith - solo cello
Dr Stephen Morley - French horn
Bailey Hume - clarinet
Peter de Jager - piano
Sola Hughes - first violin
Yo Yo Zhou - second violin
Khan Kim - viola
Mahalia Shelton - cello
Jude Angove - double bass

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has recently changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine.

ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to making our events accessible and will accommodate requirements wherever possible. All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au if you have any questions.

To read more about accessibility at our venues, please visit:  https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.  

• In order to account for drop-off in attendance, we overbook a select number of free events at the Faculty. If you have not arrived by the start of the performance, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance to secure your seat.  

• Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.