Melbourne Festival kicks off a diverse contemporary music program next weekend with a sold-out collaboration by The Cinematic Orchestra and Philharmonia Australia at Hamer Hall, a triumphant brace of homecoming shows by Melbourne soulsters Hiatus Kaiyote, two sold out Olafur Arnalds shows, and a spellbinding orchestral performance by Gurrumul at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Gurrumul will be joined by very special guest Sarah Blasko, who will not only open the evening with a set of her own but will also lend vocals to one of his songs.
Encompassing 36 shows from six continents in seven venues across the city – from established cult heroes to rising stars; from unique world music projects to thrilling electronic collaborations; from ska to jazz through indie rock and folk to blistering soul, this is Melbourne Festival’s largest music program to date.
Highlights include blind Malian husband-and-wife duo Amadou & Mariam, who perform in darkness their acclaimed Eclipse for an Australian premiere; folk heroes Clannad returning to Australia for the first time in two decades, and legendary song man Archie Roach appearing over two nights at the Arts Centre. The festival delivers a series of Australian exclusives, including shows by Yo La Tengo, Active Child, The Polyphonic Spree and The Beta Band’s Steve Mason. World premieres also include Los Angeles electo-folk hero Active Child performing with a string quartet, and Flight Facilities performing their ‘Decades’ series of mixtapes over two nights.
Following the success of 2012, the Foxtel Festival Hub returns to the banks of the Yarra. For 17 days and nights, this brand new bespoke performance space and decadent supper spot will host many of the festival’s hottest events including The Polyphonic Spree, Cody Chesnutt, Flight Facilities, Fuck Buttons, Prince Rama, Husky, WERK, Caitlin Rose and Henry Wagons, Dexter, Quique Neira and A Celebration Of Melbourne Ska featuring The Caribs, The Ska Vendors and Strange Tenants.
The Hi Fi will host the first show for British India’s national Controller album launch tour, plus The Handsome Family and Foy Vance team up for a night of country, folk, soul and blues. Albuquerque duo The Handsome Family have been described as the Beatles of the folk world. Their admirers include Nick Cave and Jeff Tweedy, who describes their wondrous compositions as “the product of two beautiful brains”. Ireland’s soulful crooner Foy Vance takes cues from the likes of Otis Redding and Nina Simone, and has had his music appear on Grey’s Anatomy, House, Vampire Diaries and Private Practice.
English industrial electronic duo Fuck Buttons show is also now sold out, their music is also amongst the soundtrack for the mesmerising Belgian theatre production Teenage Riot, which takes place over four nights at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Fairfax Theatre.
Recently appointed Director of Contemporary Music Declan Forde said, “This year’s program is a response to the depth and variety of music appreciation that you find in Melbourne audiences– the extensive knowledge of quality artists from around the globe, the appetite for new experiences, and the love and respect for local heroes.”
Event Date: 11-27 October 2013
Tickets are on sale now – prices start at $25.
See melbournefestival.com.au for full details.
