The Southern Cross Soloists and UK violinist Jack Liebeck visit Canberra as a part of their national tour, performing two world premieres, on Sunday 11 October. One of these, Abyss, is an emotionally charged piece inspired by the sinking of SIEV X in 2001: this event resulted in more than 350 refugee deaths in waters of interest to Australian border security and was during the days of the TAMPA crisis.
A composition written so pertinent to current times, and born from such an event, is rare – and this tragedy still resonates in politics and public affairs today, remaining a controversial topic people tend to feel very strongly toward.
Composer of Abyss and Southern Cross Soloists Artistic Director, Paul Dean, says:
“It is quite unclear whether the Indonesian and Australian governments knew what was happening but it is a tragedy of massive proportions that remains untold and unsolved”, says Dean.
“The piece isn’t particularly political however, it is more about the personal story of the people; it’s about the darkness, the frightful knowledge that the boat is taking on water, the panic, the silence, the disaster. Not one for the feint-hearted really. It was a very emotional time for me writing it and I look forward to hearing it off the page and onto the stage.”
Young UK violinist Jack Liebeck will feature as a guest soloist throughout the concert program, which will also feature a world premiere by Matthew Hindson, and works from Handel, Vaughan Williams and Saint Saens.
Southern Cross Soloists & Jack Liebeck National Tour
Sunday 11 October 2009
7.30pm
The Wesley Music Centre
Canberra
Tickets: Adults $38, Pensioner $28, F/T Student $18, Groups (6+) $30, Children under 12 $15
Bookings: Ph (02) 6232 7248
