2014 is a special year for viola da gambist, Jenny Eriksson as her group The Marais Project celebrates 15 years of continuous operation. The theme for The Marais Project’s anniversary year is Re-imaginings, which is also the title of their final concert for 2014.
Alongside music for the conventional viola da gamba and harpsichord, Re-Imaginings will see the formal debut of Jenny’s Ruby Electric Viola da Gamba which is believed to be the only instrument of its kind in Australia.
Meticulously hand-made in Holland this concert will give interested listeners the opportunity to hear the electric gamba alongside the acoustic original.
Jennifer’s collaborators include jazz musicians and composers, Matt McMahon, Paul Cutlan and Siebe Pogson as well as harpsichordist Raymond Harvey. Featured will be music by Marais, along with new works by Paul Cutlan for acoustic viola da gamba and harpsichord and by Matt McMahon for electric viola da gamba and piano.
Jenny’s son Siebe Pogson has also written a new work for electric gamba and bass guitar while Matt has arranged some jazz standards.
Many concerts claim to be unique but this one really is! “I love Matt McMahon’s piano playing and the piece he has written for electric viola da gamba is beautiful as is Paul Cutlan’s suite for acoustic viola da gamba and harpsichord”, Eriksson enthused. “It’s especially moving for me to play in the world premiere of my son Siebe’s piece for electric gamba and bass guitar.”
Eriksson is confident audiences will respond positively: “I am essentially a lyrical player and I love lyrical music.” As the concert title says, Jenny is just doing a little “re-imagining”!
Date: Sunday 26th October 2014
Time: 3.00pm to 4.15pm; complementary drinks are served
Venue: Sydney Conservatorium, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: $35/20; online www.maraisproject.com.au ph 02 9809 5185
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