CONTENT COURTESY ENSEMBLE OFFSPRING
– CONCERT CANCELLED –
Here’s your chance to get out of the concert hall and into the fresh air. In 2023, Ensemble Offspring’s Avant Gardens series offers two distinctive programs presented in the homes and backyards of their trusty supporters. Hear every breath and feel every beat in this intimate musical exchange. You might also hear rustling leaves, the odd birdcall and other neighbourhood sounds, but it all adds to the atmosphere.
This is music in its most relaxed and real setting. On the return of the series, artistic director Claire Edwardes says “there’s a reason Avant Gardens is returning for its third season”.
“In the past, we’ve had numerous stand out moments – not least the sell-out audiences who are genuinely deeply engaged with the huge range of living new chamber music we perform at these concerts.
“It’s also a chance to meet the musicians in their natural habitat, and connect with art music in a relaxed environment – our audiences have always acknowledged that it’s pretty special being invited into these gardens.
“We provide drinks and nibbles too, so it’s essentially a social event built around the performance. If you like what Ensemble Offspring does, you won’t want to miss it.”
Experience Ensemble Offspring’s unique brand of living new music up close at an Avant Gardens concert near you. Event locations will be disclosed to ticket holders prior to performance dates.
AVANT GARDENS 1
Saturday 25 February, 2023 | 5pm | Ashfield
Sunday 26 February, 2023 | 5pm | Alexandria
Avant Gardens 1 features soprano Jane Sheldon, percussionist Claire Edwardes, and flautist Lamorna Nightingale in a unique mash-up of sound worlds. International giants Takemitsu, Crumb, and Furrer meet a new work by emerging Sydney composer Courtney Cousins. With performances in Alexandria and Ashfield, this is chamber music that’s part of the real world and so close that you can touch it.
General Admission – $75
Under 35 – $35
PROGRAM
Tōru Takemitsu – Toward the Sea (1981)
flute, marimba
Brenda Gifford – Mungala (Clouds) (2018)
flute, percussion
Courtney Cousins – Daphne (2023)
soprano, flute, marimba
World Premiere
Beat Furrer – auf tönernen fussen (2001)
flute, soprano
Frank Nuyts – Une fille comme Anne (2022)
soprano, flute, marimba
Jacob Druckman – Reflections on the Nature of Water (selected movements) (1986)
marimba
George Crumb – Madrigals, Book II (1965)
soprano, flute, percussion
PERFORMERS
Claire Edwardes (Artistic Director, percussion)
Jane Sheldon (soprano)
Lamorna Nightingale (flute)
