A neo-classical project from soprano singer and vocal teacher Michaele Archer, Silphie's creative focus has centred on Sulpicia, a female poet living in the time of Augustus in Rome in the late first century BC.
Sulpicia wrote six poems that formed the Garland of Sulpicia, which was originally credited to the poet Tibullus.'Sulpicia's Birthday' is the second poem in the series, and details Sulpicia's joy in writing to her lover, Cerinthus, detailing the cancellation of a family trip that allows them to spend her birthday together frolicking in Rome.
Archer – who is Co-Head of Program (Voice) at Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, and has performed nationally and internationally – is joined by Rachel Whealy (cello), Giuseppe Zangari (guitar) and Gab Steele (viola) to form Silphie.
A celestial, almost heavenly-sounding hymn, 'Sulpicia's Birthday' is draped in the enchanting medieval tones of the old world, the neo-classical sounds washing over the senses like a soothing balm.
Archer's classical-operatic vocals are melded to her playing of the Harmonium, a 'pump organ', that is enriched by the evocative, poignant strings (cello, viola and guitar) to create a spiritual and tranquil atmosphere.
Today, scenestr is thrilled to premiere the music video for 'Sulpicia's Birthday', which was filmed on the banks of Hawkesbury River in Patonga (Central Coast). Enjoy.
"We chose the location because there is a really special vibe by the river at Patonga on the NSW Central Coast," director, director of photography and editor, Benjamin Fraser says.
"It has a sense of mystery and wildness that's so different to the beaches nearby. There was something about it that reminded me of a garden from another world. It seemed like the perfect spot for an ancient lovers birthday tryst."
Michaele adds: "There is a really special vibe at Patonga (meaning oyster) which is on the land of the Darkinjung people.
"We could really feel the special vibes there and knew it was the right spot, but for some reason the location wasn't keen on the cello.
"Our wonderful cellist Rachey was the last person to shoot on the day. Hair and make-up all done and looking glam. We literally set her in the location and filmed for 40 seconds before a massive thunder storm came out of nowhere.
"It was a mad rush to get Leopold the cello, a genuine Baroque instrument back into its case before getting any water damage. The rain was torrential and we were all completely soaked.
"Someone had a tarp in their car and the four of us huddled under with cello and film gear. So, Rachel's takes ended up being shot in my music room when we dried off, but we got a nice windy shot of Rachel playing at the beach from those pre-storm 40 seconds."
