Listen Up!

Curated by Australia’s musical trailblazers Ensemble Offspring, Listen Up! brings together the country’s most inspiring musicians who share an obsession for the newest of the new. A smorgasbord of contemporary-classical and jazz virtuosi, First Nations artists and art music fiends come together over two 60-minute programs, including Allara (double bass, voice), Eric Avery (violin) and the Australian Art Orchestra.

Led by acclaimed percussionist and Artistic Director Claire Edwardes OAM, Ensemble Offspring comprises a core line-up of some of Australia’s most virtuosic musicians who champion living composers and create innovative musical experiences for audiences. This rings true in the Listen Up! program, which exclusively features living composers.

Concert one (Whirling and Turning, 6pm) presents two adrenalin-filled world premieres by Australian composer Kate Neal and New Zealand up-and-comer Karlo Margetić, plus three modern masterpieces from around the globe: Errollyn Wallen's eclectic and free-spirited approach to music-making, Jennifer Higdon’s dramatic modernism and unstoppable rhythmic drive, and Tristan Coelho's unique, glitchy machine music. Concert two (Songline Inventions, 8pm) sees outspoken Yorta Yorta singer/songwriter Allara take the stage for the first time in Sydney before being joined by Ensemble Offspring, Eric Avery and the Australian Art Orchestra in a big sonic hug to close the evening.

Claire Edwardes says, "Listen Up! is a unique opportunity to bring together leading artists from a variety of musical practices and backgrounds to celebrate our shared passion for living new music. We live in a time of immense musical diversity, and in curating this micro-festival we are showcasing it all: the youthful energy of innovative emerging composers, the craftsmanship of living modernist legends and the raw spirituality of First Nations voices. It's the type of inclusive and diverse festival that we need to see more of in Australia and we cannot wait to share it with you."

Hear both concerts and save $15 with a festival pass.