Play gongs in Song to the Ocean with iconic Australia percussionist Dr Michael Askill as part of Song to the Ocean, a nature-inspired, outdoor music experience presented by Corrina Bonshek & Collaborators and DeepBlue at HOTA – Home of the Arts Gold Coast in May 2023.
Open to all musicians who can read music. Michael will supply the gongs and mallets and give instructions in technique.
Dates & Times
4-5:15pm workshop on Thurs 11 May at the Basement HOTA. Includes 15min pack down.
5-8:30pm Friday 12 May at HOTA – Home of the Arts Outdoor Stage
4:00-8:15pm on Saturday 13 May show at HOTA – Home of the Arts Outdoor Stage
Cost is free but places are limited. Registration is essential.
Watch this video of sister work, ‘Song to the Earth’ to get an idea of what you will play:
About Song to the Ocean
Song to the Ocean is a love-song to the planet, an immersive, live music event for a walking audience. Stroll through a sea of musicians and experience ocean sounds and music up-close, surrounded by awe-inspiring light installations.
Hear original contemporary classical music by award-winning composer Dr Corrina Bonshek performed by acclaimed Australian string ensemble DeepBlue, master percussionist & south-east Asian gong expert Michael Askill, soloist Greta Kelly on Persian violin, and vocal powerhouse & multi-instrumentalist WHAIA, Maori sonic weaver.
About the Creative Team
Composer and Artistic Director, Corrina Bonshek writes nature-inspired music that has been described as ‘beautifully shaped and contemplative’ (Clare MacClean, 2013) and ‘deeply spiritual in intent’ (Anne Boyd, 2002). Her music is performed regularly in Australia by soloists and ensembles (Jason Noble, Alex Raineri, Ady Ensemble, Sirius Ensemble, Charisma Ensemble, Kupka’s Piano). Her recent compositions have been premiered at Taipei International Festival of Arts, Brisbane Music Festival, Bleach* Festival, Singapore Arts in Your Neighbourhood Festival, Rainforest Fringe Festival Malaysia. Corrina is creative producer and artistic director of Corrina Bonshek & Collaborators Limited.
Emerging from research begun in 2005, award-winning DeepBlue reinvents the classical string ensemble combining artistic excellence with electronics, choreography and perceptive, insightful repertoire to engage new audiences. Their national and international collaborations demonstrate passion for diversity and innovation and their four albums, TV appearances and extensive touring have earned them huge national and international exposure. 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.
Dr Michael Askill (PhD – University of Queensland) is a percussionist, composer, musical director, musical ambassador and educator – an icon of Australian music, known and admired for his enduring contribution to the Australian contemporary music landscape and his original blending of Asian and Western Sounds. Before embarking on a successful independent career, he was Principal Timpanist with the Melbourne Symphony and then Principal Percussionist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. His collaboration with one of Australia’s most highly respected choreographers, Graeme Murphy, resulted in a number of ballets for Sydney Dance Company. Michael is a Lecturer in Percussion at the University of Queensland.
These workshops are supported by Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government Initiative. They are produced by DeepBlue and Corrina Bonshek & Collaborators.