Kew Court House Season 2 2015
It’s all about the music. And the stories. We love music here at Kew Court House. With our cosy insides and tuck shop bar, let’s be honest, our humble abode is the best place for it. That’s why we’ve dedicated our entire program to the art form. Featuring some of not only Melbourne’s, but Australia’s most prominent and exciting artists, you are in for a real treat.
Let’s get one thing straight. This is not a straightup concert program that you may see at other well-known venues. These artists are at the forefront of their disciplines presenting ideas that are beyond the typical expectations of their peers and audiences alike. Most of all they’re not just here to tell you a story or play you incredible music, they want to draw you into their entire world of creativity.
Flick through these pages, take your pick and book your seats (or standing room as the case may be). Then when you’re at the show remember this is your experience. Applaud, dance and high five whenever you see fit. Enough said.
3
Presented by Flinders Quartet & Kew Court House
Flinders Quartet: Sibelius Festival ‘Music begins where the possibilities of language ends.’ - Jean Sibelius
SAT 4 JULY 3PM & 7PM
On the eve of their departure to Finland, Flinders Quartet will take audiences deep into the heart of Scandinavia with two days of Sibelius’ chamber music, in a year that celebrates this deeply Romantic composer.
SUN 5 JULY 1PM & 3PM
Flinders Quartet has been invited to perform at the Sibelius and Korpo Festival as part of the celebrations in Finland this year, marking the 150th anniversary of Sibelius’ birth. This Australian celebration of Sibelius’ string works at the Kew Court House will give local audiences a taste of the rich palette of his deeply nationalistic music inspired by the Finnish landscapes, folk music and literature he worshipped.
kewcourthouse.com.au or 03 9278 4770
$32 / $27 Single Performance, $80 / $70 Festival Pass
This is the second year for this successful and popular line-up of players in Flinders Quartet after Helen Ayres and Shane Chen (violins) joined the founding members Helen Ireland (viola) and Zoe Knighton (cello) in late 2013. At the end of the group’s 2014 concert season, critics and audiences alike were hailing the group’s “unity of interpretation, tight ensemble, fine balance, matched tone and fluent dialogues”. 4
Program 1
In Conversation: Sibelius Himself
SAT 4 JULY 3PM
SUN 5 JULY 1PM
SIBELIUS String Quartet No. 1 in E flat major, JS 184 (18’)
Join Zoe Knighton, cellist of Flinders Quartet as she chats with Sibelius expert Geoffrey Hayes about this Finnish master’s life’s work. Rare insights and personal anecdotes pepper this conversation that will be the perfect entree to the afternoon’s performance.
SIBELIUS Four Themes: 1. G major 2. E flat major 3. A minor 4. E minor (2’) SIBELIUS Andante festivo for String Quartet, JS 34a (6’) SIBELIUS String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, JS 183 (35’) Program 2 SAT 4 JULY 7PM Only Melbourne performance with special guest Stefan Cassomenos on piano SIBELIUS String Quartet No. 3 in B flat major, Op. 4 (30’) SIBELIUS Piano Quintet in G minor, JS 159 (40’)
Program 3 SUN 5 JULY 3PM SIBELIUS Molto moderato - Scherzo in E major, JS 134 (5’) SIBELIUS Adagio in D minor, JS 12 (13’) SIBELIUS Fuga för Martin Wegelius (Fugue for Martin Wegelius), JS 85 (6’) SIBELIUS String Quartet No. 4 in D minor, Op. 56 Voces Intimae (30’)
5
Presented by Jessie Lloyd, City of Boroondara & Kew Court House
Mission Songs Project
Curated and produced by award winning musician and creative entrepreneur, Jessie Lloyd, Mission Songs Project celebrates through song and stories a rare collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songs composed and sung between 1900 and 1999. These songs, some largely hidden from the outside world until now offer a unique window about life on the missions, reserves and the fringes of townships where Indigenous people were relocated. Jessie presents this Indigenous narrative with old-time tunes and choral like arrangements.
FRI 17 JULY 7PM COST $25 All tickets kewcourthouse.com.au or 03 9278 4770
Supporting Jessie in the performance of these songs are Indigenous vocalists, Tiriki Onus, Shauntae Batzke and John Wayne Parsons, accompanied by guitarists Robert Champion and Monica Weightman. Celebrating 2015 NAIDOC Week, Mission Songs Project will be an opportunity for the community to share in the experience of Australian Indigenous culture. The event will also include a taster of the 2015 Boroondara Reconciliation Week Project. Mission Songs Project is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts and the City of Boroondara with advice from Archie Roach, Marcia Langton, Peena Geia, Seaman Dan, Stephen Pigram, Roger Knox, Karl Nuenfeldt, Jeremy Beckett. 6
House Party
Chelsea Wilson’s Underground Soul Jam Featuring two of Melbourne’s finest female artists, get your weekend started with a bang, digging on original rare-groove and funk from Chelsea Wilson and soulful house jams from DJ CC:Disco. For one show only, our beloved Court House will be transformed into a New York Studio 54 inspired soul train. Excellent music guaranteed. Flares and glitter optional. Chelsea Wilson is a Melbourne based soul vocalist, songwriter, DJ and broadcaster (PBS 106.7FM). Her debut album I Hope You’ll Be Very Unhappy Without Me was declared #2 Album of the Year on ABC Radio National and nominated for Best Soul Album of the Year at The Age Music Victoria Awards. Chelsea recently will make her UK debut at Glastonbury Festival UK in 2015 as part of her European Summer tour.
FRI 31 JULY 7PM COST $25 All tickets kewcourthouse.com.au or 03 9278 4770
CC: Disco is one of the most in-demand DJs in Melbourne with an energy and connection to a dance floor like no other. Favouring the soulful end of the dance spectrum, from smooth slow jams and soulful house to ‘80s boogie and every flavour of disco, a CC:DISCO set is sincere, joyous and loaded with L-O-V-E! and most of all, P.A.S.S.I.O.N.
7
Presented by Kew Court House
Spice of Life: a concert inspired by the finer things Karen Van Spall, Adam Miller and Katherine Day come together to extol the joys of good food, good wine and great friends in this fun concert, full of Art Song, parlour ballads and operatic favourites. Enjoy a glass as you hear the Drinking Song from Hamlet, get your caffeine fix while you listen to selections from the Coffee Cantata or discover your zest for life through songs inspired by journeying the Spice Routes - sea shanties, toasts, lullabies and laments by the bushel.
SAT 15 AUG 3PM
Karen, Adam and Katherine are all international soloists and come together to bring their wealth of talent to the Kew Court House. With credits including Opera Australia, Scottish Opera, Victorian Opera, ABC Classic FM and the Melbourne Arts Song Collective, this is a team not to be missed.
kewcourthouse.com.au or 03 9278 4770
COST $40 Full / $35 Conc Tickets include Spanish canapés and antipasto. Beverages at bar prices. Bookings essential.
QPO Restaurant brings to the journey a specially created spread of Spanish flavours to encapsulate you in the complete experience.
8
House Party
Jazz Party ‘Made for the bar room not the ballroom, Jazz Party is a loose collective of jazzbos known for their sporadic take-over residences in unassuming rooms across Melbourne. Playing a slippery mix of jump blues, boogie, and rhythm n blues á la New Orleans. Shouting, drinking and slow dancing with strangers all encouraged.’
FRI 28 AUG 7PM
That’s what the guys at Jazz Party told us to write and they’re not kidding. We’ve been to the other ones. We’re pulling the stage and piano out of the theatre, bringing in Jazz Party’s seven piece outfit and turning the place on its head.
kewcourthouse.com.au or 03 9278 4770
COST $15 All tickets
Jazz Party is for everyone, uniting audiences from stages at Dark MoFo, Mullum Festival and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, as well as a swathe of infamous packed out Monday night residencies at Shadow Electric, Boney, Hugs and Kisses and The Grace Darling. Whatever your age or persuasion, you’ll feel the good vibes down the street - your only option is to get involved. That’s jazz. Bar and DJ kick off at 7PM. Band hits the stage at 8PM. It’s cool to be early.
9
Presented by Kew Court House
Mojo Juju Solo ‘The dark, moody, soulful songs of Mojo Juju are maturing brilliantly. It seems every new track we hear from Melbourne based singer is packed with more attitude…’ – Double J Off the back of a successful national tour, with stopovers at Sydney Opera House for Vivid Live and at Darwin Festival, Mojo Juju returns to her hometown for special pared-back solo show in the warmth and beauty of the Court House.
THU 10 SEP 8PM COST $25 All tickets kewcourthouse.com.au or 03 9278 4770
Over the course of some fifteen years, this pint-sized purveyor of all things twisted and odd has resisted the natural societal impulse to stick to the path tried and true, and so from early stints gracing stages at some of Melbourne’s most loved music dives has strived to change, to evolve, to explore. She’s sped things up, slowed them down, twisted them one way and thrown them in another. And it’s worked, her music garnering accolades the world over, the experimentation paying off. So why stop now? Mojo Juju’s latest release, her second solo album, Seeing Red / Feeling Blue, carries on in the only fashion she knows how – differently. Most people resist change. Not so Melbourne musician, impresario and raconteur Mojo Juju.
10
Presented by Kew Court House
Adam Rudegeair Quintet: The Bowie Project ‘Rudegeair has a knack of picking out the melody and themes, allowing us a new appreciation of the originals while opening our ears to the possibilities of jazz. To do that via my all time favourite songs, as a music listener, I could not ask for more!’ – Adam Dean, Bowie Downunder
FRI 25 SEP 8PM
‘This is Jazz at its best. Virtuosic. Irreverent. Dangerous.’ – skylashes.com.au
kewcourthouse.com.au or 03 9278 4770
COST $27 Full / $23 Conc
Following a SOLD OUT album launch at Stonnington Jazz Festival in May and special performances at ACMI as part of the David Bowie Is Exhibition and Symposium, The Bowie Project is ready to thrill audiences once more with dynamic and vibrant instrumental jazz interpretations of the compositions of one of pop’s most iconic figures. Pianist Adam Rudegeair (PBS FM’s Black Wax) and his quintet will take you on a starry odyssey though all eras of Bowie, from Hunky Dory to The Next Day! With Adam Spiegl (bass), Thom Mitchell (drums), Tom Sly (trumpet) and Greg Sher (tenor sax). Book early to avoid a very sad face. This will sell out again. ‘Very creative arrangements.’ – Mike Garson (David Bowie’s pianist) 11
Presented by Kew Court House
Future Classic: Julia Hastings in Fame, Fortune and Lies: The Life and Music of Eileen Joyce In 1926 a teenage girl left Fremantle aboard the SS Mooltan, bound for Europe and a career of megastar proportions. Eileen Joyce was to become one of Australia’s most dazzling musical talents as a concert pianist, recording artist, radio performer, fashionista and film star during the 1940s and 50s. Award-winning classical pianist and actor, Julia Hastings stars in this original, one-woman show playing the music which became the soundtrack to Eileen Joyce’s life and telling the story of Eileen’s rise to stardom and the personal demons which plagued her, both on and off stage. Add Julia Hastings’ brilliant pianism to the dramatic unfolding of the Eileen Joyce story and you have an unforgettable theatre experience. Gems of the piano repertoire made famous by Eileen, including Mozart Sonata in F Major KV332, Liszt’s Gnomenreigen, Chopin’s Berceuse, Granados’ The Maiden and The Nightingale are woven throughout the narrative and form a pivotal point for this exciting new show. The eastern region of Melbourne is synonymous with producing and nurturing some of Australia’s finest classical composers, performers as well as institutions such as the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra. With a nod to its local pedigree, Kew Court House continues the series, Future Classic that showcases the new wave of talent in Australia’s classical music landscape.
FRI 9 OCT 8PM SUN 11 OCT 3PM COST $25 Full / $20 Conc / $18 14-years and under kewcourthouse.com.au or 03 9278 4770
12
Presented by Kew Court House
Luke Howard ‘Absolutely heavenly... I can hotly recommend.’ – Mary Anne Hobbs, BBC Radio 6
FRI 23 OCT 8PM
Melbourne-born composer and pianist Luke Howard presents a selection of solo piano and ambient works from his recent records Sun, Cloud and Two & One. Luke will be joined in this intimate exploration by drummer Daniel Farrugia (Angus & Julia Stone, Missy Higgins, Tin Pan Orange), guitarist Leonard Grigoryan (Grigoryan Brothers) and laptop wizard Mike Katz (Harvey Sutherland).
COST $27 Full / $23 Conc kewcourthouse.com.au or 03 9278 4770
Luke’s Australian Music Prize-nominated Sun, Cloud was described as ‘absolutely heavenly’ (Mary Anne Hobbs, BBC Radio 6) and ‘totally sublime’ (Headphone Commute). He recently released a record with Brooklyn-based trumpeter Nadje Noordhuis and is working on a follow up album to Sun, Cloud.
13
Presented by Kew Court House and Forest Collective
Vita Mors Forest Collective will lead you through the facets of birth, life and death in Vita Mors. Evocative, with philosophical underpinnings, visceral movements and unique vocal sounds, a company of singers and dancers will perform new music and sound works complemented and contrasted against some of the great signposts of the music of our time. Directed by Tim Nolan, with co-musical directors Evan Lawson and Robin Czuchnowski, Vita Mors will feature new works from Australian composers, some of the oldest music of our time, including ancient music of Asia and Europe, and great composers of the 20th century Gyorg Ligetti, Igor Stavinsky and Benjamin Britten.
FRI 6 NOV 7.30PM SUN 8 NOV 5PM COST $25 Full / $20 Conc / $18 14-years and under kewcourthouse.com.au or (03) 9278 4770
Forest Collective is a not-for-profit, multi-disciplinary arts organisation dedicated to creating engaging works that traverse both classic and contemporary approaches. Founded in 2009 by a group of emerging Melbourne artists, Forest Collective now presents multiple shows each year in a variety of spaces, exploring diverse performance opportunities. This year they celebrate the night presenting a full gamut of programs from intimate solo and chamber works to full orchestra.
14
Presented by Kew Court House
Hetty Kate with Grayson, Farrugia & Sherlock The Hammond organ jazz trio is a rarity on the Australian musical landscape. Consisting of the classic Hammond B3 organ together with a Leslie cabinet, drums and guitar, it’s an ensemble synonymous with American jazz, gospel and rhythm & blues. Four years ago three world class musicians, Ben Grayson, Danny Farrugia and James Sherlock, set about reviving the art of the Hammond trio in Melbourne, discovering what may be possible with fresh ears and a sense of excitement. What they found was an open sound that gave equal weight to each musician, allowing a freedom not often found in larger ensembles.
FRI 20 NOV 8PM COST $27 Full / $23 Conc kewcourthouse.com.au or 03 9278 4770
After the success of the trio’s 2015 original instrumental release Wolf & Hound, they have invited acclaimed British-born, Melbournebased jazz vocalist Hetty Kate to collaborate with them for a new project exploring and combining transoceanic musical genres. Taking the fundamentals from a selection of British new wave and electronica, the band reinterpret and reharmonise this transoceanic music with a jazz sensibility. With arrangements that shift in time and space, the music becomes tactile and the lyrics take on new meaning with room to breathe. Compositions once familiar become new. Hetty Kate has made a name for herself as one of the first call young jazz vocalists in the Australian scene. She has sung with James Morrison’s touring bands for the last two years, performed with the MSO at Hamer Hall and the SSO at the Sydney Opera House and regularly tours in North America, Europe and Asia.
15
All About Us
Thanks to an unprecedented campaign driven by the local Kew community, in 2011 Kew Court House was lovingly restored and transformed. With the support of City of Boroondara, the Victorian State Government and private donors the building reopened as a new venue to support artistic expression in the eastern region of Melbourne and beyond. Want to know more?
Speak another language?
Having a good time?
See what we’re up to around the clock at kewcourthouse.com.au
As a City of Boroondara owned and managed venue, we offer communication assistance for our information services including this program.
We’re fairly new on the scene so we’re all ears when it comes to hearing about your experiences at Kew Court House. What was great (or maybe not so great)? What do you want to see and hear? Did you feel at home? We really want to know how you’re enjoying the place.
We love to be social! kewcourthouse @KewCourtHouse Get the first word Just between you and us, you don’t have to go to the city or the inner north to see the best performances, gigs and exhibitions. Things are bubbling beneath the surface in Melbourne’s leafy east. Sign up to The Arts Abstract E-News to be the first to hear of all things creative in this burgeoning part of town. Head to hawthornartscentre.com.au, hit the bottom of the page and subscribe.
If you require translation please call City of Boroondara Customer Service Centre on 03 9278 4444 or make your request through Council’s free interpreting service on 03 9278 4002. Accessibility Kew Court House is specifically designed with access needs in mind and our staff are here to make your experience hassle free and enjoyable. To discuss your requirements in detail contact us on 03 9278 4770.
While we run surveys from time to time, you’re more than welcome to just talk to us about it whenever you like by email kch@boroondara.vic.gov.au or phone 03 9278 4770.
Program details are correct at the time of printing but are subject to change where necessary and without notice. Please check the website for updates.
16
At the Venue
Booking tickets to Kew Court House performances is easy for everyone. Book online, by phone or in person. Online Visit kewcourthouse.com.au and head to What’s On. Phone 03 9278 4770 Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm In person Visit the Hawthorn Arts Centre 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm The Bar
Venue hire
Kew Darling...
Kew Court House has a small tuck shop bar that boasts a small but lovely selection of refreshments and snacks. We cordially invite you and your friends to settle in pre-show and stick around after to discuss all the best bits of the performance.
You want to be on stage too? Kew Court House is a venue for hire with spaces that can be used for performances, rehearsals, exhibitions, corporate events and meetings.
If you are looking for something more substantial to enjoy before or after the show, our venue is actually nestled in quite the hot food and wine destination.
For venue hire information visit kewcourthouse.com.au or call our events team on 03 9278 4770.
A variety of casual and high end eateries and bars are dotted along High Street and Cotham Road for your enjoyment.
Tickets are sold at the venue prior to performances subject to availability. Kew Court House seating is unreserved and may be arranged in various formats
17
Where We Live
By car
Kew Court House 188 High Street, Kew
Melway reference 44 C6 Ample off-street parking is located on Fenton Way and Walpole Street.
Walpole S t
By public transport
t Charles S
P
Tram 48 North Balwyn to Victoria Harbour Docklands via Kew Junction
Fenton W ay
P
P
Tram 109 Box Hill to Port Melbourne via Kew Junction Tram 16 St Kilda to Kew Cotham Road (walk 1km east along Cotham Road) Bus 205 Doncaster via Kew Junction For more public transport information, including timetables, fares, route information and the Journey Planner, visit ptv.vic.gov.au or call Public Transport Victoria (PTV) on 1800 800 007.
18
Calendar
Date
Artist
Page
SAT 4 JUL
Flinders Quartet: Sibelius Festival - Program 1 & 2
4
SUN 5 JUL
Flinders Quartet: Sibelius Festival - In Conversation & Program 3
5
FRI 7 JUL
Mission Songs Project
6
FRI 31 JUL
Chelsea Wilson’s Underground Soul Jam
7
SAT 15 AUG
The Spice of Life
8
FRI 28 AUG
Jazz Party
9
THU 10 SEP
Mojo Juju
10
FRI 25 SEP
Adam Rudegeair Quintet: The Bowie Project
11
FRI 9 OCT, SUN 11 OCT
Future Classic feat. Julia Hastings
FRI 23 OCT
Luke Howard
13
FRI 6 NOV, SUN 8 NOV
Forest Collective: Vita Mors
14
FRI 20 NOV
Hetty Kate with Grayson, Farrugia & Sherlock
15
12
20