MAC to host world-class classical group Syzygy Ensemble

Published on 15 April 2019

World-class Melbourne-based chamber group Syzygy Ensemble will perform as a trio when they bring a new program of music specifically written for the Mildura Arts Centre next month.

Syzygy Ensemble will perform Modern Delights on Saturday 4 May in the Mildura Arts Centre foyer, introducing Sunraysia audiences to the group’s new contemporary classical works featuring Australian composers.

Councillor for Arts and Culture Jason Modica said Syzygy Ensemble have gained a reputation over the past decade as one of Australia’s finest new music ensembles.

“Syzygy Ensemble have been lauded for their virtuoso precision, innovative programming and ability to connect viscerally with their audiences, and we’re about to experience this wonderful performance here in Mildura,” Cr Modica said.

“The evening will be even more special when you consider that this program of music has been specifically written for the ensemble’s performance in Sunraysia.”

Promising a ‘lovely evening of music and beautiful surrounds’, Modern Delights is yet another example of the successful partnership between Mildura Arts Centre and Melbourne Recital Centre delivering opportunities for Sunraysia residents to see world-class musicians perform.

Aside from having a regular subscription series at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Syzygy Ensemble has had great success touring regional Victoria, allowing remote audiences the chance to experience, and even participate in, contemporary masterworks such as Quartet for the End of Time, In C, and Rzewski’s Les Moutons de Panurge.

They were nominated for a Helpmann Award for a George Crumb tribute concert in 2012 and in 2014 were the recipient of the Melbourne Recital Centre’s Contemporary Masters Award for their performance of Robert Dzubay’s Kukulkan 2.

Modern Delights

by Syzygy Ensemble

Saturday 4 May

Doors open at 6.30pm. Performance starts 7.30pm in the foyer.

Cheese platters can be made to order.

Syzygy Ensemble bio

Since forming in late 2009 Syzygy Ensemble has forged a reputation as one of the finest new music ensembles in Australia.

In 2010, they were awarded first prize in the chamber music section of the Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition, and were the only Australian group selected to compete in the Gaudeamus International Interpreter’s Award in Amsterdam the following year.

Committed to the heritage works of last century as well as the newest works being written here and now, Syzygy have given critically-acclaimed performances of Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire and Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, as well as being entrusted with the premiere of over 50 new Australian works.

Syzygy has appeared at numerous festivals including the Melbourne Festival, Melbourne Music week, Metropolis Festival, Port Fairy Spring Festival, Restrung Festival (QLD), Mildura Arts festival, White Night Bendigo and has also been touring artists for Musica Viva’s Country Wide program.

Syzygy has delivered new commissions as part of the Meryln Myer award, Glen Johnston commission prize and the Albert Maggs award.

Their debut CD, ‘Making Signs’ was released in 2015 to critical acclaim and concert broadcasts regularly feature on the ABC Classic FM and the MBS network.

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