AUSTRALIAN BAROQUE CELEBRATES THE RHYTHMS OF COUNTRY WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE SIX NOONGAR SEASONS - A NEW CYCLE OF SIX CONCERTOS

Australian Baroque presents the world premiere of The Six Noongar Seasons, a powerful new cycle of six concertos, inspired by Antonio Vivaldi's beloved Four Seasons and deeply connected to the landscapes, stories and seasonal cycles of Noongar Country.

Composed by acclaimed Noongar violist and composer Aaron Wyatt, with original poetry by Gina Williams AM, The Six Noongar Seasonsoffers a distinctly Western Australian response to one of classical music's most recognisable works.

Drawing inspiration from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, the new composition, written for Director and violinist Helen Kruger, traces the six Noongar seasons of the south-west, reflecting the changing rhythms of Country through music and spoken word. Audiences will journey through cycles of heat and rain, abundance and renewal, joy and reflection, experiencing the landscape through a uniquely Noongar perspective.

The work explores the deep connection between people, place and seasonality, capturing moments both dramatic and intimate:

"Bunuru comes, bringing an angry stare. We yearn for shade, well away from the blazing sun, holding rain as memory."

Australian Baroque Artistic Director Helen Kruger said the work represents a significant artistic milestone for the ensemble.

"The Six Noongar Seasons creates a dialogue between one of the most celebrated works of the European classical tradition and the world's oldest continuing living culture. It is a work that speaks profoundly to Western Australia and offers audiences a fresh way of listening to both music and Country."

Commissioned by Australian Baroque, the project reflects Australian Baroque's commitment to creating meaningful artistic experiences that connect deeply with Western Australian communities. This exciting collaboration and world premiere with the Albany Chamber Orchestra (Albany’s very own 18-piece String Orchestra comprising string teachers and advanced string players) is evidence of the ABO’s commitment, and recognition of the enormous - sometimes life-changing - effect regional players experience playing alongside professional players.

Albany Performance
Thursday 9 July, 7.00pm
Albany Entertainment Centre
In collaboration with Albany Chamber Orchestra