Lior will be joining some of Brisbane’s best school ensembles and choirs on stage as part of ‘Songs Of Hope And Healing’, a benefit concert for Friends of the Home of Expressive Arts and Learning.
After performing his song ‘Safety Of Distance’ with the Gallipoli Choir, at the centenary ceremony this year, Lior has been invited to perform with them once again at the concert, hosted by QPAC.
Lior says he was inspired by the students from St Joseph’s College and All Hallow’s School, after sharing such a significant experience. “The kids were great, such beautiful singers and so dedicated and disciplined in their craft. I was quite blown away … just the whole weight of the event was pretty moving and really educational … there is just so much depth to the story, and I realised how little I knew.”
Formed in Brisbane in 2012, the Friends of HEAL Foundation (FHEAL) exists to provide creative-arts therapy to young people of refugee backgrounds; creating opportunities for cultural expression, connection and understanding.
The concert will raise much-needed funds for a cause that Lior can relate to, having migrated to Australia with his family from Israel at age ten. “I wouldn't say I was a refugee by any means – but it was a difficult transition for me. It was culturally very different, I didn't know anyone here. Music played a really big part in adapting and feeling good about myself, and also as a means of escape.
"My discovery and aspiration to do music was really timed with my move to Australia. I can directly relate to how important music was for me, at a time of great change. I feel really passionate about the cause, and how this is being approached. QPAC have really put their belief behind how important art and culture are as a way of connecting human beings and also as a way of healing. It's that old thing that art, and particularly music, for me, is such a universal and powerful language that crosses barriers.”
Lior’s musical style has traversed many barriers in his career. He is no stranger to classical music, having collaborated with Nigel Westlake in composing the symphony orchestra performance (and subsequent ARIA Award-winning release) titled ‘Compassion’ in 2012.
With the overwhelming response to performances in Australia, they are now taking it abroad. “We've got a US premiere of that in April next year with the Austin Symphony Orchestra. We'd love to do another round in Australia as well, we are just in early talks with some of those orchestras.”
Before heading to the States, Lior is celebrating the ten-year anniversary of his immensely successful debut album, ‘Autumn Flow’. He has just re-released the album, complete with previously unreleased tracks and demos, and will be taking it on the road in October with his “super-band”. “We'll be playing ‘Autumn Flow’ back to back, then I'm going to have my pick of songs from subsequent albums.
“The bass player, Brett Hirst, is an original member. All the other members are my dream band really. I’ve selected the musicians I’d most like to work with, many of whom performed with me on the last album tour.”
After crowd-funding his 2014 solo release, ‘Scattered Reflections’, Lior still places a lot of emphasis on remaining independent. “I've been very lucky in a sense that ‘Autumn Flow’ came out ten years ago and built an organic, loyal following… and I've been very connected to my audience ever since. For me, it's important both to retain artistic control and to be able to stay as connected – with as little in between my audience and myself as possible.
“What exceeded my expectations more was just how happy people were in getting let into the process and how supportive people were, to have the initiative and how willing they were to be involved. It went beyond them facilitating the resources to do the album, it was more that people just loved being part of the process and seeing how it comes together."
Lior will perform ‘Songs Of Hope And Healing’ at QPAC 28 August.
Written by Leisa Howlett
Autumn Flow Tour Dates
Fri 9 Oct - Anitas Theatre (Thirroul)Sat 10 Oct - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
Fri 16 Oct - Athenaeum (Melbourne)
Sat 24 Oct - Brisbane Powerhouse
Fri 30 Oct - Astor Theatre (Perth)
Sat 31 Oct - Her Majesty's Theatre (Adelaide)
