Duo Eclettico unites saxophonist Justin Kenealy and pianist Coady Green, two internationally award-winning artists, for two dazzling concerts of virtuosic music that exists for this rarely heard combination of instruments at fortyfivedownstairs on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 July 2021.
Kenealy and Green are joined by percussionist Peter Neville to present the world premiere of Songs from the Box and Swamp by award winning composer Dr. Jane Hammond.
The Helmeted Honeyeater was made the avifaunal emblem for Victoria in 1971. Once a thriving species, the Helmeted Honeyeater’s numbers plummeted to a low of 50 individuals due to the destruction of their habítate after colonisation.
A team of citizen conservationists at Yellingbo Reserve have worked with scientists for fifty years to bring the “HeHo” numbers back up to 250, but the bird is still critically endangered.
Jane’s new work, with text by acclaimed director and writer Theresa Borg, tells the story of these birds, their habitat and the people who work to keep them alive, and the rich indigenous backdrop to this narrative.
The work is accompanied by rare film footage taken by wildlife photographer and film maker Angus Hamilton who has been given unique access to the habitat.
Hammond’s new work is perfectly paired with Ross Edwards’ vibrant saxophone concerto in a new arrangement for saxophone, piano and percussion, Full Moon Dances. Here Edwards depicts the universal Moon Goddess incarnate, source of plant life and protector of the environment, performing a series of ritual healing ceremonies.
Songs from The Box and Swamp | Full Moon Dances
fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Performances: Thursday 15 & Friday 16 July 2021 – 7.30pm
Information and Bookings: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com
Image: Saxophonist Justin Kenealy and pianist Coady Green are Duo Eclettico (supplied)