The latest, most exciting offering from Ensemble Offspring directed by Claire Edwards is a two part concert entitled LISTEN UP! The first half is called Whirling and Turning, the second Songline Inventions. It was filmed at the Cell Block Theatre , National Art School and streamed by the Australian Digital Concert Hall .
Whirling and Turning is in five sections and included two world premieres by Australian composer Kate Neal and New Zealand rising star Karlo Margetić. Tristan Coelho’s crisp, sharp and spiky read/write error, was complex and assured including some concomitant technological sounds. Margetić’s jumpy Bricks and Mortar for violin, cello and percussion, flowed and crackled.
Kate Neal’s Wound was a complex combination of patterns and developments of the jagged melody.Two works from the early 2000s were included – Errollyn Wallen’s 2001 Dervish, a duet for cello and piano, flowed rippled, repeated and tumbled, eventually becoming faster and faster – you could imagine the spinning Dervish. Higdon’s Zaka (2003) at times scurried fast and furiously then was quieter and more reflective before returning to agitation.
Songline Inventions was also very powerful, at times hard, crunchy and crackling, or rippling, or with a haunting violin. Yidaki and clapsticks were included. The sounds of Country were included – such as a kookaburra and a barking dog, or cascading water. An ardent, compelling performance was given by Yorta Yorta singer/songwriter Allara on double bass. First Nations violinist and singer Eric Avery joined her with the Australian Art Orchestra and Ensemble Offspring in a most striking concert.
Daniel Wilfred’s Cuckoo Song (for Australian Art Orchestra guest trio Daniel Wilfred, David Yipininy Wilfred and Peter Knight) shimmered and began the performance. Eric Avery’s Scribbly Gum was performed by Ngiyampaa, Yuin, Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr artist Eric Avery, an enticing somewhat meandering, duo for violin and Edwards on vibraphone. The yidaki, bass clarinet and double bass had a most delightful enfolding and entwining discussion. In other pieces clapping sticks and other percussion were included as well as voice by Daniel Wilfred in a powerful, haunting conclusion.
The concert was filmed September11 2022 , streamed 3rd December .
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