Where song began

A MESMERISING musical celebration of how Australia’s birds shaped the world will have its Byron Bay debut on March 1.

The Where Song Began concert, followed by a Q&A, features music across 300 years, from Schmelzer and Bach to Arvo Pärt and new Australian commissions. Critics have called it ‘a delicate and beautiful fusion’ and ‘like being sung to by the country’.

Co-founder, producer and cellist Anthony Albrecht has shared his passion for making classical music accessible and relevant in the 21st century since graduating from The Juilliard School in 2014.

His reputation for presenting concerts connected to social justice, conservation and sustainability spearheads a necessary art in modern times.

“Our identity as human beings is inexorably linked to nature, and in Australia, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by such incredible beauty, both in the landscapes, birds and animals,” Albrecht said.

“To contemplate the loss of much of this beauty, which is a real possibility if we don’t collectively address climate change and other challenges, is highly motivating.”

The work had its genesis in co-founder, violinist and composer Simone Slattery reading Tim Low’s book Where Song Began, inspiring the duo to create a musical interpretation.

“It was developed from her vision of an experience that was beautiful, inspiring, informative and motivating for audiences,” Albrecht said.

“We chose highly evocative music from Australia and Europe, spanning many centuries, that depicts natural soundworlds.

 

“Our European, 300-year-old instruments are capable of a wide range of expression, and we love imitating birds through extended techniques.

“The visuals and soundscapes create a deep emotional response and raise important questions.

“For example, Bach’s Prelude No.1 in G major for solo cello is an accompaniment to the incredible calls of the lyrebird, juxtaposing perhaps the greatest composer of Western music with the greatest songbird and asking Low’s question: how would the world sound today had songbirds never existed?

“Songbirds have had such a profound impact on even the evolution of human speech and song.”

The collective has raised over $120,000 for its conservation partners through musical projects.

“Our concerts celebrate the beauty of nature in a joyous, heartfelt, and even humorous way that anyone can relate to, young and old, and of any background or political persuasion,” Albrecht said.

“They are a chance for people to come together and celebrate the love of place, community and our environment.

“We can’t wait to share our work with audiences in Byron Bay.”

For information and tickets, visit bowerbirdcollective.org/upcoming .