The Sounds of Australia festival is an exploration of how we create music that reflects this land, which has had its own musical heritage spanning tens of thousands of years. A land marked by sorrow and resilience, and a society shaped by the stories of First Nations peoples, immigrants, and displaced communities. This is the challenge faced by every Australian artist, composer, and performer. Through this series of concerts, we invite you to experience music that resonates with the spirit of Australia.
This concert takes the festival’s theme of musical reflection on Australia’s heritage and roots it deeply in both the past and present. From Margaret Sutherland’s evocative Quartet for cor anglais and strings, which draws from European traditions while finding an Australian voice, to Brenda Gifford’s Bardju (Footprints), a poignant piece commissioned by Ngarra-Burria that connects us to the footsteps of First Nations history. These works offer a compelling dialogue on tradition—whether Percy Grainger's playful Random Round or Michael Kieran Harvey's rebellious 48 Fugues for Frank, an homage to Frank Zappa’s avant-garde spirit, each piece reshapes the idea of what Australian music can be.
Margaret SUTHERLAND Quartet for cor anglais and strings
Richard MEALE Incredible Floridas
Interval
Percy GRAINGER Random Round
Michael Kieran HARVEY 48 Fugues for Frank
iii. Jazz from Hell
x. Baby Snakes
Matthew HINDSON The Metallic Violins
Brenda GIFFORD Bardju (Footprints)
ANAM Musicians
This performance lasts approximately 2 hours, with one 20 minute interval.
Percy Grainger's 'Random Round' arrangement and parts prepared and provided by Jane Hammond with permission from the Grainger Estate.
For this event, tickets booked in advance are offered on a "pay what you wish" basis. In addition to a Standard price, we offer the option of paying A Little Extra for those who would like to contribute a little more, as well as the option of paying A Little Less. Read more about the change here.
If you are booking over the phone, simply tell us your preferred ticket price. Tickets purchased at the door will be available at the Standard price and are subject to availability.
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