Sydney audiences can experience the Australian premiere of an ambitious new work, exploring our imaginings of the universe through music, poetry and astronomy.
Written by Australian composer Luke Styles, Custodians of the Sky was co-commissioned by ANAM alum Michael Smallwood (voice 1999), a leading operatic tenor based in Europe, French contemporary music ensemble Le Balcon, and with support from donors through the Australian Cultural Fund. The 50-minute work brings to life the beauty of Australia’s unique celestial landscape, and invites audiences to explore how not just Australians but all cultures over time have interpreted the mysteries of the cosmos and searched for meaning in the night sky.
“Since leaving Australia more than 25 years ago, I have often been asked what I miss,” says Michael. “Beyond friends and family, I always answer that I miss the Australian sky. It’s vast beauty. No sun shines as clearly as the Australian sun, and nowhere can you appreciate the beauty and serenity of so many stars as in the Australian outback.” After performing Luke Styles’ song cycle On Bunyah, Michael knew he found the right person to create an extraordinary new work. “At the time, I was working with Parisian ensemble Le Balcon, and decided to bring the two together. The result is Custodians of the Sky.”
Custodians of the Sky was premiered in Paris in 2023, with two sold-out performances. “Such was the fascination with this extraordinary piece and the poetry at its core,” recalls Michael. “This fascination made me all the more determined to bring the piece home to Australia. It is after all a story that all Australians can tell every time they look at a cloudless sky at night.”
Michael is joined by bass-baritone Adrian Tamburini to bring this poetry to life in the Australian premiere performances of Custodians of the Sky in November 2025. They are joined by a 14-piece chamber ensemble, including members of Ensemble Offspring and several ANAM alumni, conducted by Alphonse Cemin.
The text of the work comes from living Australian authors who have contributed substantially to Australia’s cultural discourse. The writings of astronomer and Master Storyteller Bill Yidumduma Harney of the Wardaman people of the Northern Territory, and Hugh Cairns from their book Dark Sparklers form the backbone of the work. Their descriptions of the Australian night sky and the constellations unique to our land are complemented by poetry by David Malouf AO, Margaret Bradstock, Reneé Pettitt-Schipp and Amanda Johnson.
Adding further to this multi-sensory work, three-dimensional recordings of bush soundscapes from prominent Australian star-gazing sites are overlaid throughout by Parisian sound artist Rémi le Thailandier, and animated projections by Colombian video artist Nieto.
“As we gather beneath the same sky,” writes composer Luke Styles, “Custodians of the Sky offers a poetic invitation to explore the interplay between tradition, land, and the infinite heavens.”
Custodians of the Sky
Presented by Emanuel Synagogue Foundation
Wed 5 Nov and Thu 6 Nov, 7.45pm
Emanuel Synagogue, 7 Ocean St, Woollahra NSW
For tickets visit events.humanitix.com/custodians-of-the-sky
Words by Laura Panther, Alumni Manager
Image credits: Le Balcon, premiere performance 2023