Elena Kats-Chernin & Tamara-Anna Cislowska join forces for ‘Human Waves’, commissioned by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ for its Centenary celebrations.
Set to live stream via Facebook at 7.30pm (AEST) Wednesday September 9, 2020, the 45-minute presentation will include the world premiere of a newly commissioned work for massed choir and symphony orchestra, Human Waves, from acclaimed Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin AO, with libretto by Tamara-Anna Cislowska.
Both artists perform at grand pianos for this digital presentation of the work, alongside massed choir (recorded in isolation) and Jess Ciampa on percussion.
“Kats-Chernin says Human Waves is one of the larger and more complex works that she has created in her composing career: a major composition for choir and orchestra reflecting on the rich legacy of Australia’s migrant history. “Sydney Philharmonia’s Artistic Director Brett Weymark had a vision for a large work to be centred around the tapestry of our mixed community: an exploration and celebration of Australia’s diversity and how the fusion of cultures and traditions has enriched our society and taught us tolerance, thoughtfulness and gratefulness.”
Originally commissioned as part of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ centenary program, Human Waves should have been debuted live at its ‘Centenary Celebration’: a major public concert event scheduled for June 2020 in Sydney Town Hall. When Australia’s live performing arts industry was shut down by the current pandemic, planning turned to the creation of a digital experience and enduring record to honour the Choirs’ 100 years of music making and enable Human Waves to be shared with the global community.”
Read the full media release: Media Release Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Time and Place Sept2020.