In a new twist, two acclaimed Australian music ensembles — Collusion Music and Trichotomy — join forces to explore the space between jazz and classical music. And to light the way is performer and choreographer Nerida Matthaei (aka your guide, navigator and bon vivant).
Featuring a program of works by composers including Sean Foran/ John Parker, Thomas Green, Susan Hawkins, Louise Denson, Ryan Walsh, Martin Kay and Philip Eames, the audience will be led through this new music experience by hilarious hostess from the Esmay ‘Charisma’ Devine School of Interpretive Dance.
Benjamin Greaves, violinist and Director at Collusion Music spoke to Scene about this new hybrid show of styles.
Describe the show in one sentence?
It's all about Brisbane outfits Collusion and Trichotomy performing new jazz, composed by some of Brisbane's most dynamic contemporary musicians.
Your role is... and you do things like...?
I am the artistic director of Collusion ... and I tend to think a little outside the square when it comes to programming and concert formats. I program music and consider visual elements to our concerts. I also collate our musicians' great ideas for concerts. I must give credit to our clarinettist and saxophonist Diana Tolmie. She is the brain behind the ambition to see Collusion collaborating with Trichotomy.
Who else is a part of the madness?
Eight adventurous Queensland composers are perhaps the most important part of this show. Without them we have no music. Nerida Matthaei is the MC for the show. She does some serious and 'not-so-serious' master of ceremonial duties. She dances to the music and creates words around the music. I am not going to give too much away. In fact, I know she is still creating many new, fresh and fantastic ideas for Saturday night's Brisbane show. Our resident choreographer Gareth Belling is also assisting with the production of this show. He is a great springboard for Nerida's ideas.
Where did the original concept come from?Collusion's clarinettist and saxophonist Diana Tolmie dreamt of a collaboration with Trichotomy. I imagined the great BandStands of the swing era and the MCs. I also saw Nerida Matthaei perform in 'Don'ts For Dancers', she was superb in this wonderful show. That show influenced me to choose to have an MC for this concert and I am lucky to have Nerida on board!
What sorts of things have you learnt from being part of this production?
Jazz is incredibly fun to play and I am now determined to encourage my own violin students to try some jazz. I think the world needs more jazz violinists! There's plenty of classical ones about.
Any crazy/ weird/ funny rehearsal stories?
Wow, I do have some interesting rehearsal stories from other productions of Collusion, usually disagreements or should I say "Collisions" between musicians. But (as it should be) what happens in the rehearsal stays in the rehearsal.
If you could choose one song to describe your life, it would be?
Well, perhaps considering the latest budget — The Angels’ 'We've Got To Get Out Of This Place!'
Did you ever imagine you would do anything else with your life/ career?
Being an educator has always been important to me. Creating an appreciation of art and music will always be important to me.
Advice to up-and-coming performers?
Watch Guy Smiley on Sesame Street. He's awesome at smiling.
Why should people come and see the show?
Because the performers on the night, Camille Barry (violin) Raquel Bastos (viola) Danielle Bentley (cello), Diana Tolmie (sax/clarinets), Samuel Vincent (bass), John Parker (drums), and Sean Foran (piano), are some of the best freelance musicians in Brisbane. The music will be superb. Simply put, you should just come hear and see them play.
'All In The Wash' is on for one night only, Saturday May 24 at the Judith Wright Centre.
