song to the earth - artour

Song to the Earth By Dr Corrina Bonshek & Collaborators

Image Credit: Derek Repchuk

CONTENTS

ABOUT THE SHOW 2

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICS 6

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 7

MARKETING 9

PRODUCTION DETAILS 15

CONTACTS Corrina Bonshek Artistic Director | Composer | Producer +61 435 247 874 [email protected] Greta Kelly Tour Manager | DeepBlue Manager | Performer +61 422 588 693 [email protected]

Song to the Earth of 21

ABOUT THE SHOW

SHOW SYNOPSIS Song to the Earth is a love-song to the planet, an immersive, live music event for a walking audience. Stroll through a forest of musicians and experience nature sounds and music up-close, surrounded by awe-inspiring light installations. There are three parts. In a festival setting, audiences may choose to experience one part or all three. Each part is explained through the following voice-overs that are heard as the audience enters the performance area.

Part I - Flocking Imagine watching a flock of birds circling overhead, or standing in the middle of a forest of cicadas singing together. Hear the string players evoke these images through sound. You'll notice that the music will sound different in the centre, on the sides and elsewhere. So take a walk, stop and listen, or stand next to a musician and experience the music up close. Part II – Singing Across the Treetops This music is inspired by birds singing across the treetops in the bush or in a rainforest. For many first nations people birds play a special role in nurturing the earth with their songs. Follow your ears to experience new sounds and sights. Sometimes the performers will move into a new position. You may like to move with them, or find a new spot to watch them go by. Part III – The Voice of the Earth We invite you to experience the powerful waves of sound from the gongs and solo Persian violin or Shah Kaman. This piece is composer Corrina Bonshek’s imagining of the voice of the earth. Go on your own sound adventure and hear the gongs up close or experience their sounds at the edge of the space – where you can hear more overtones or different tones within the sounds. In this part, you may wish to sit down to listen with your eyes closed.

Song to the Earth can be performed with substantial community involvement in the form of a cast of community musicians who are mentored by the creative team. Alternatively it can be presented by professional musicians only, for a smaller audience, to suit the presenter’s requirements. The presentation can be tailored to your needs.


MARKETING COPY - EXTENDED Stroll through a forest of musicians in an immersive, live music event. Join acclaimed Australian string ensemble DeepBlue, master percussionist Michael Askill, and Persian violinist Greta Kelly for a euphoric musical experience under the night sky. Illuminated by an awe-inspiring light installations and featuring an original score by contemporary classical composer Dr Corrina Bonshek, Song to the Earth is an intimate music performance inspired by patterns and cycles from nature.

Song to the Earth invites audiences on a magical journey into an otherworldy space illuminated by large-scale light sculptures by Mimi Dennett and lighting designer Wes Bluff, that glow in colour and intensity in response to the music. The performers are lit by wonderous small-scale light installations by visual artist Tiffany Beckwith-Skinner, that evoke natural forms like fern fronds or lyrebird feathers.

DeepBlue have a physically expressive performance style that is a perfect marriage of music and movement. They use choreography to communicate the flow of music in patterns and spirals. At times, the music evokes the swirling of a flock of birds and you can see the notes being passed between the musicians around the performance space. This work is compelling in its intimacy, as audiences can experience the music up-close, right next to the players.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Music Composition & Artistic Direction: Dr Corrina Bonshek Performers: DeepBlue & Dr Michael Askill leading a team of remarkable young local musicians Large-scale installation: Mimi Dennett Wearable & small scale light installations: Tiffany Beckwith-Skinner Lighting design: Wes Bluff Sound design: Anna Whitaker & Corrina Bonshek Live sound: Rhys Tyack Movement consultant: Meredith Elton Movement & formations: Evan Setiawan, Wayne Jennings & Greta Kelly Song to the Earth was co-commissioned by City of Gold Coast, Bleach*Festival and the Queensland Government through the Regional Arts Development Fund and the Office of the Commonwealth Games and other funding sources. Song to the Earth had its first stage creative development as part of Inherit the Wind, a collaborative and community engaged performance project directed and produced by Meredith Elton, with circular light installation concept by Kristian Baggerson.


BIOGRAPHIES Corrina Bonshek, DeepBlue and Michael Askill share a passion for engaging the next generation of young performers in boundary-crossing new music. Together with a broader team of collaborating artists, they have created an immersive, music experience that is profound, deeply moving and propelled by ecological concerns.

Composer & Artistic Director Dr Corrina Bonshek imagines sound in visual patterns inspired by nature. She has created works for Taipei International Festival of the Arts 2017 (Taiwan), Bleach Festival 2017 & 2018 (Gold Coast), Experimental Thai Music Laboratory 2015 (Thailand), the Centennial Park Labyrinth in Sydney. Her music has been described as ‘beautifully shaped and contemplative’ (Clare MacClean, 2013) and ‘deeply spiritual in intent’ (Anne Boyd, 2002).

String ensemble DeepBlue embrace technology, lighting and choreography in their performances and mentor young classical musicians via their YoungBlue program. DeepBlue have received huge exposure through their live performances and TV appearances across the Australia, and at festivals in the US, India, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and China. DeepBlue were finalists in Australia’s Got Talent and won the Australian Performing Arts Centre Association's Drover Award for Excellent Audience Response.

Master percussionist Dr Michael Askill is an icon of Australian music, known and admired for his enduring contribution as a performer, composer, music director and educator, as well as his original blending of Asian and Western sounds.

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

Year Venue Number of performances

Apr 7-8, 2018 Festival 2018, Gold Coast Commonwealth Games & Bleach Festival 2018 – Palm Beach Parklands.

2

May 17-20, 2018 Flowstate, Southbank Corporation – South Bank, Brisbane.

4


PERFORMANCE SPECIFICS Can be further tailored for your event.

SONG TO THE EARTH

Genre: Music / Installation. Suitable venues: Festival, Outdoor (or indoor if rain likely)

Professional + Community Musicians

Duration:

3 x 30min with 15min interval between. Audiences can choose to come to 1 or all 3 parts.

Performance Area Size 25m diameter circle or equivalent

Audience Walking Inside 350

Audience Seated (edge) 300

Professional Musicians 15

Crew 4

Community Musicians 38 - 40 - 24 violins - 3 viola - 9 cellos - 6 gong players

Audio Hire 8 speaker PA plus 51 wireless headsets

Light Sculpt. 18

CREW DETAILS Crew is up to 4 pax depending upon the performance option selected.

Name Role

Fin Wegner Sound Engineer

Corrina Bonshek Co-Producer | Production Manager

Tiffany Beckwith-Skinner Installation Lead | Dresser

Samaya Askill Percussion Management


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

OVERVIEW Song to the Earth is performed by 13 professional musicians and up to 30 high school-aged string and percussion students. The professional musicians conduct a series of online masterclasses, workshops and rehearsals with the students prior to the face-to-face rehearsals and performance/s. Marketing for the callout and all subsequent engagement will be managed by the Song to the Earth community engagement team who will communicate with teachers and participants. See details below in Workshop Series #1 Music. Additionally, there is a second optional workshop: a 60-minute Wearable Art Workshop targeted at children aged 6 to 17. See Workshop Series #2 Wearable Art below.

WORKSHOP SERIES #1 MUSIC The creative team will work closely with community engagement partners including: - Local youth orchestras - School string ensembles - School percussion ensembles - Private music teachers in the region. Sheet music, recordings and video resources are sent to ensemble leaders/teachers who disseminate, teach and encourage students to practice and memorise some of the music. These partners also encourage their students to attend a series of online workshops: 1 x Cello masterclass - participants are coached on how to play cello while standing. 2 x Music workshops - participants meet their music mentor (Michael Askill or one of the 12 DeepBlue musicians) in a whole-group introductory session and then play their part along with their mentor (whilst muted) in separate ‘break-out’ rooms. A series of how-to-videos demonstrating the musicians’ movements will also be provided. On the day prior to the performance the full cast-crew travel to the venue, conduct a workshop in which participants rehearse the music, formations and choreographed movements with the community musicians. At a dusk they run the full show. On the day of the first performance there is an opportunity for a second run through/dress rehearsal. On the third day there is the second performance and bump out.


Day Hours Activity Online/Location

1 month prior

1.5 hrs Cello masterclass Online

3 wks prior

2hrs Music workshop with extended team and community musicians Online

2 wks prior

2hrs Music workshop with extended team and community musicians Online

1 day prior to show

8hrs Bump-in Blocking / rehearsal Tech run

Venue

1st show day

8hrs Soundcheck Dress rehearsal Optional Wearable Art Workshop Performance

Venue

2nd show day

4hrs Soundcheck Performance

Venue

WORKSHOP SERIES #1 COST There is no cost for community participants. Fees for professional musicians from the extended personnel team are included in show budget.

WORKSHOP SERIES # 1 TARGET AUDIENCE FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT String and percussion players aged 13 years and upwards with 3rd grade AMEB or Trinity College playing ability (or equivalent) or above are invited to join the production. Participants will learn Corrina Bonshek’s Song to the Earth under the mentorship of DeepBlue string players and Dr Michael Askil, and perform alongside them as part of this professional production.

WORKSHOP #2 WEARABLE ART – MAKING WORKSHOP WITH TIFFANY BECKWITH-SKINNER Create your own miniature illuminated and wearable art inspired by patterns from nature. Bring your illuminated creation to the evening performance of Song to the Earth and play with light alongside the performers. Workshop led by visual artist Tiffany Beckwith-Skinner, the creator of wearable & small-scale lighting installations for Song to the Earth.

WORKSHOP #2 WEARABLE ART - COST The one-off cost of this workshop, which is inclusive of art-making materials is included as an optional extra in the budget. There is no cost to participants.

WORKSHOP # 2 WEARABLE ART - TARGET AUDIENCE The workshop suits ages 6-17. Parental/carer assistance is required for younger children.


MARKETING

MARKETING COPY - SHORT One line Stroll through a forest of musicians Short Stroll through a forest of musicians in an immersive, live music event. Join acclaimed Australian string ensemble DeepBlue and master percussionist Michael Askill, for a euphoric musical experience under the night sky. Illuminated by an awe-inspiring light installation and featuring an original score by contemporary classical composer Dr Corrina Bonshek, Song to the Earth is an intimate music performance inspired by patterns and cycles from nature.

MARKETING SUMMARY The target audience is experience-orientated festival attendees who seek the vitality of a new and novel sensory experience. We’ve found that this show appeals to families with young kids who enjoy walking and interacting with the musicians. It also appeals to audiences who don’t usually attend classical concerts because they prefer not to be seated when they experience live music. The production of all marketing and promotional collateral remains with the Presenter. However, the company will provide marketing text, company bios, images, video footage, media kit, press release, sample social media posts, acknowledgements, credits and any logos. Key creative team are available for interviews. Any printed and web material must be approved by the Company prior to use.

MEDIA QUOTES

‘When you are listening to an orchestra you should just sit quietly and pay attention. Right? Well, actually, no. Brisbane-based DeepBlue is an orchestra that has subverted that approach to classical music in their latest show, Song to the Earth, featuring music by composer Corrina Bonshek.’ Phil Brown Q Weekend


AUDIENCE REVIEWS

The word that came to mind when watching was ethereal. I think it had a very other-worldly quality in a really beautiful way. Moving around between the different people playing various instruments was amazing, it was an experience that I’ve never had before. I enjoyed it immensely. I felt really moved. Soenke Biermann

It was beautiful to be able to go into the installation and hear different segments of the music and just to be able to stand in one place and really feel it. Julie Hayes

I loved experiencing the orchestra in the round. I can’t believe this isn’t done more often. The music was simply profound. Vashti Eastern

COMMUNITY MUSICIANS’ FEEDBACK

I think this is a great initiative. I am excited at being in an orchestra that used new innovative techniques. For example, I liked the method of counting seconds instead of beats and the technique of having each musician cue each other in - I felt that it really produces a great buzz in the orchestra.

Andy Williams Year 9 Palm Beach Currumbin State High School Viola player

Parker loved the whole experience so much. She is part of Queensland Theatre Junior Ensemble and as surprised by how much there was a focus on energy and movement (which they have been focusing on in theatre class, so it was good for her to see the many applications of creativity and the creative space).

Tina-Maree Newland, parent of Parker Newland violinist, talking about her daughter’s experience

VIDEO LINKS See highlights video plus full video footage of all three parts.


https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoSyMCo8GtGXW5BZf0GALePE3K2HNG1Ho




IMAGES

Photo: Derek Repchuk

Photo: Derek Repchuk


Photo: Derek Repchuk Please access hi-res images here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1x-4w_0yUM3YJwUhIo13Odf1S6gVME7_i

CONTENT WARNINGS / AUDIENCES TO AVOID Nil. This show does not involve nudity or profanity.


https://drive.google.com/open?id=1x-4w_0yUM3YJwUhIo13Odf1S6gVME7_i

SPONSOR OR OTHER ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Song to the Earth was co-commissioned by City of Gold Coast, Bleach*Festival and the Queensland Government through the Regional Arts Development Fund and the Office of the Commonwealth Games and other funding sources.


PRODUCTION DETAILS

TECHNICAL SUMMARY This is an immersive performance where the audience enters the performance zone via designated entrances/exits. The performance zone is bordered by illuminated sculptures, and the performers wear illuminated costumes. Entry/exit to the performance zone is cued by voice-over. PA speakers are positioned facing into the performance zone. The lead musicians are amplified, whereas community musicians are not. There is sound design (nature sounds) in addition to live music. The musicians have different positions in each part. In part 1, string orchestra and 3 x percussionists stay stationary in the following positions:

In Part 2, the string ensemble occupies a variety of positions (with the audience taking up new positions alongside them).


In Part 3, the gong players occupy the centre of the circle in a fixed position. The audience is invited to sit amongst the gong players.


EXAMPLE BUMP-IN SCHEDULE

Start End Duration Activity Location

8:30 AM

9:30 AM

1:00 Mark out performance area including position of light sculptures & speakers. Charge batteries in performer tent (locate powerboards) + make space for costumes

Circle

9:30 AM

2:00 PM

4:30 Bump in & set up light sculptures (2pax) and sound gear. Mark out performer positions with removable tape or spray (if grass)

Circle

1:30 PM

2:30 PM

1:00 Set-up/test percussion mics + wireless / test click & in-ears Bump in costumes, gong stands, percussion. Put wireless packs & batteries in Dressing Room tent

Circle

2:00 PM

2:15 PM

0:15 Lead performers arrive. Get wireless packs on and go to circle

2:15 PM

2:30 PM

0:15 Tune instruments Get site induction (5mins)

Dressing room

2:30 PM

3:00 PM

0:30 Lead performer sound check Tiffany distributes bow lights.

Circle

3:00 PM

3:10 PM

0:10 Community musicians arrive, instruments in tent & get marked off, get receiver packs & headphones Lead musicians get costume on

Dressing room

3:10 PM

3:25 PM

0:15 Community musicians come to stage with stands, leave them near sound tent, check in-ears, movement exercises connecting to the group

Circle

3:25 PM

3:45 PM

0:20 Stage hands to set stand lights, sand bags, pegs. Percs sound check, Gong Players and Percs check headphone levels Community musicians get costume on with DeepBlue mentor's help

Circle Dressing room

3:45 PM

All performers take to stage for rehearsal. Circle


CREW REQUIRED FROM VENUE

Role Number of People

Bump-In Installation Crew & Stage Hands (can be skilled volunteer or students)

2

Front of House & Ticketing 1-2

Stage Manager (can be skilled volunteer or student) 1

Cast Marshall (if community cast is over 30 people) 1

All insurances and liabilities relating to these volunteers or crew remain with the Presenter.

SET/LARGE LIGHT SCULPTURES The performance area for the show (a 14m-25m diameter circle or equivalent) is made via a border of 12-18 light sculptures. Each light sculpture is 190cm high and 100cm wide (including base). The sculptures are made of fire resistant fabric stretched over fibreglass poles that are affixed into brackets that are screwed into 1m diameter circular steel base weighing 20kg. Each sculpture has wind tolerance of up to 60km/per hour and can be erected on grass, concrete or rubber floor surfaces. On grass, tent pegs can be used to affix the steel bases in position and chocks/wedges can be used to accommodate slope. On rubber or similar flooring, each steel base has vinyl coating underneath to ensure the flooring is not marked or damaged. The distance between sculptures is minimum 2metre (measured from base edge to base edge), with minimum 4m for entrance/exit to the installation (final measurements dependent upon performance area size & cast size). The PA speakers are placed next to light sculptures, as are 7 Gong stands when not in use; the gongs are played Part III only.


A further perimeter fence using fairy lights and bamboo stakes is erected to ensure audience members do not walk between the light sculptures, and to help guide the flow of audience in and out of the designated entrances and exits.

There is a different lighting design for each 30minute movement that responds to the music and is timed to highlight the exit/entrance sculptures at interval. We will supply · 18 sculptures (190cm high x 100cm wide) · Music stand lights · The lighting design on USB (created for a Grand MA Micro Lighting Console). Venue to supply · Lightweight unobtrusive perimeter fencing. For example, bamboo stakes and fairy lights for perimeter · Grand MA Micro Lighting Console for Installation Lighting · Workstation for lighting desk · Power Cable ETC for Installation Lighting · DMX Control Cabel for Installation Lighting · LED outdoor theatre lights (max 30cm diameter) for inside the light Sculptures · 10 x LED portable spot lights for Gong players in Part III & 3 soloists in Part II · 3 platforms or global risers (120cm x 120cm x 40cm high) for the soloists.


WARDROBE/ SMALL OR WEARABLE LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS Additional lighting inside the performance area is provided by the illuminated costumes worn by all performers including community members. Company to supply · Costumes all cast including community members (up to 50 costumes) · Rechargeable batteries for costumes · Charging stations for the rechargeable batteries Venue to supply · Dressing tents/rooms with tables to store instruments and layout the costumes.

SOUND This performance includes amplified and unamplified musicians, an immersive sound design and recorded voice-over to assist in moving audience into and out of the installation. Company to supply · Instrument bug microphones for the 12 lead string players · Wireless belt pack transmitters with frequency range of 1785 to 1800Hz · Laptop to play sound design and voice-over for beginning and end of each part of the show. · All instruments including 7 x gong stands, 13 x gongs ranging from 30cm to 150cm diameter, 3 x

frame-drums, 3 x suspended cymbals and assorted small percussion instruments. Venue to supply · 1 x AVID S3L-X Mixing console or similar · 4-8 x AT Professional TLA1164 24 or 10 element array or similar · 4-8 AT Professional TLA210A Dual 10” sub processor or similar · 12 Channel Multicore · 6 x Microphones for percussionists with stands · Wireless headset belt packs and headphones · Single channel headset system transmitter · Workstation table for mixing desk · 18 x music stands with sand bags for stability.


FREIGHT NOTES 7.5-8 cubic meters of touring elements will be freighted to the venue. Access is needed to a loading dock for delivery. Touring elements are:

Description Unit Quantity Packed Dimensions Weight if more than 5 kg

Circular steel bases for light sculptures. 100cm diameter, 4mm thick

18 18 units 100cm diameter to be flat packed on a pallet.

20kg each

72 Fibreglass Rods for light sculptures. 190cm length.

1 20cm x 20cm x 200cm

72 Brackets for light sculptures 4 40cm x 30cm x 30cm

18 Fabric covers packed into 2 boxes 2 40cm x 44cm x 67cm

Lead musicians wearable light sculptures (15 costumes)

1 50cm x 80cm x 140 cm

Community Musicians illuminated costumes

1 85cm x 85cm x 45xm

Community Musicians illuminated costumes

1 40cm x 60cm x 80cm

Rechargeable batteries and stand lights


Gong stands flat packed (7 units) 1 2m x 1.5m x 1m

Timpani cases with various percussion instruments and 13 gongs.



CONTACT Corrina Bonshek Artistic Director | Composer | Producer +61 435 247 874 [email protected] Greta Kelly Manager | DeepBlue Performer +61 422 588 693 [email protected]


song to the earth - artour

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