This concert is based on the idea of composers as ‘architects of dreams’ — creatively assembling blocks of virtual sound material to form structures.

The programme features three world premieres from New Zealand composers: Dream Compass by Chris Cree Brown, I write and chew and crack my bones and think about hospitality by Ihlara McIndoe and Bricks and Mortar by Karlo Margetić.

Dream Compass attempts to navigate musical material in a similar way to a sleeper steering a dream; I write and chew and crack my bones and think about hospitality is a critique of the ‘social and bureaucratic microcosm in which our art germinates and manifests itself’. Bricks and Mortar takes its inspiration from architectural ‘blocks’ of material, such as dry-stone walls, tiles and rubble.

Also on the programme is the NZ premiere of Reuben Jelleyman’s Klein Fountain, nominated for the 2021 SOUNZ Contemporary Prize, an homage to Felix Klein who conceived of the Klein Bottle, and ‘imaginary object’ that represents a 4D topology. Klein Fountain evokes the imaginary flow of water through such a bottle in an inventive, sonically brilliant manner.

Rounding out the concert are sumptuous works by leading international composers Charlotte Bray and Anna Thorvaldsdottir.

FEATURING

Barbara Paterson (soprano)

Hamish McKeich (conductor)

PROGRAMME

Chris Cree Brown (NZ) Dream Compass for mixed ensemble (premiere)

Ihlara McIndoe (NZ) I write and chew and crack my bones and think about hospitality for soprano and mixed ensemble (premiere)

Reuben Jelleyman (NZ) Klein Fountain for flute, violin, percussion and piano (NZ premiere)

Charlotte Bray (UK) Renga Miniatures for ensemble (NZ premiere)

Anna Thorvaldsdottir (ICE) Spectra for ensemble (NZ premiere)

This concert supported by Creative New Zealand, Lilburn Trust, Stout Trust and the Wellington City Council.

Celebrating what Stroma is all about: big, bold sounds and compelling musical experiences, featuring a new work co-composed by the members of leading Wellington ensemble Tararua, as well as commissions from leading composers Linda Dallimore, Gemma Peacocke and Kerian Veraine.

FEATURING

Tararua — Ruby Solly, Alistair Fraser, Ariana Tikao, Phil Bonfiace (taonga puoro/voice/cello/double-bass)

PROGRAMME

Tararua (NZ) Whakapapa/Sediments for ensemble and Tararua

Linda Dallimore (NZ) New work for ensemble (world premiere)

Gemma Peacocke (NZ) New work for ensemble and soprano (world premiere)

Dylan Lardelli (NZ) New work for ensemble

Kerian Varaine (NZ) AN DOOR for electric bass and ensemble

Iannis Xenakis (GR) Anaktoria for ensemble

This concert supported by Creative New Zealand, Lilburn Trust, Stout Trust and the Wellington City Council.

This is no ordinary concert.

Audience members will be able to ‘choose their own adventure’, with performances of ambient, spatial music taking place across multiple gallery spaces — often simultaneously — throughout the evening.

Spread over 3 hours, audience members can come and go as they please. Have a drink at the bar, then wander around the spaces to experience the sound events. If you position yourself right, you might even hear two or three pieces at the same time. If you miss a piece the first time, you can catch it again later in the evening.

Throughout the evening, Stroma will be performing experimental works by renowned composers such as John Cage, Pauline Oliveros, James Tenney and Alvin Lucier, as well as a selection of works by New Zealand composers. Low-level ambient sonic art by Wellington-based sonic artists will be also performed, mingling with the acoustic sounds of Stroma.

 

FEATURING A CURATED SET OF SPATIAL/AMBIENT WORKS BY JOHN CAGE, PAULINE OLIVEROS, JAMES TENNEY, ALVIN LUCIER, PETER ABLINGER, PLUS OTHER WORKS BY NZ COMPOSERS AND SONIC ARTISTS — PERFORMED IN MULTIPLE SPACES SIMULTANEOUSLY OVER THE COURSE OF 3 HOURS.

MORE DETAILED PROGRAMMES WILL BE RELEASED LATER IN THE YEAR

This concert supported by Creative New Zealand, Lilburn Trust, Stout Trust and the Wellington City Council.