🎼 Overview:

“Traversing the Void” is a contemporary chamber opera that explores the delicate balance between wild and urbanized spaces, encapsulating the essence of the Blue Mountains. The composition, by the talented Icelandic composer Hildigunnur Rúnarsdóttir, is accompanied by a libretto written by Blue Mountains local, Jo Truman. The performance features eight contrasting movements, offering a unique perspective on the Blue Mountains through the eyes of a wild cockatoo.

Themes Explored:

The opera delves into the dissonances between nature and the urban environment, addressing contemporary existential dilemmas, and examining the impact of bushfires on the region. It’s a musical and visual journey that promises to be both thought-provoking and emotionally stirring. 🎻

Ensemble:

Witness the incredible synergy of the Blue Mountains Kanimbla Quartet, led by the twice-voted Iceland’s best classical singer, Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir. The performance also includes The Marais Project featuring Jenny Eriksson (viola de gamba), Tommie Andersson (lute), and Susie Bishop (voice and violin). Additionally, experience “The Blue Mountains Suite,” three short works composed by Rebecca Daniel and performed by the Kanimbla Quartet.

New Work Acknowledgement:

An enchanting performances of “Hraun” (text by Steingrimur Thorsteinsson) and “Woolloomooloo” (text by Kirsten Tona) by Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir, Susie Bishop, Josephine Truman, and The Marais Project.

Visual Delight:

The audience was captivated by the stunning image of a cockatoo, captured by the talented Merryl Watkins, providing a visual backdrop to this extraordinary musical journey.