In October I attended the Hong Kong International Literary Festival where pianist Alf Demasi and I performed the music I composed for “The Incredible Freedom Machines” (written by Kirli Saunders) and “Tree” (written by Danny Parker).

We also performed “Teacup” at the Asia Society, working with some very talented local musicians. I enjoyed making new connections and catching up with  friends in the world of literature.

A huge thank you to Jennie Orchard, friend and colleague, for helping to make this happen.

As part of the Murwillumbah Arts Trail, we performed my stage show The History of Harmony, A Devilish Tale, (featuring Alf Demasi as the Mad Monk) followed by The Shape of Music; a directed improvisation of music from shape/image.

The live improvisation featured the superb musicianship of: Martha Baartz on saxophone, Marc Mittag on guitar, Alf Demasi (Yamaha) on keyboard, Ben Reynolds tenor voice, Julia Hill on violin, Sophie Ellis on viola (both from the QLD Conservatorium) and me conducting. A huge thanks to Yamaha for organising the keyboard and Christina Kay.

In July 2017 we held a special fundraising event for the Uki Refugee Project.

Alf Demasi from Perth (aka “The Monk”) flew in to the Northern Rivers to perform the stage production of the History of Harmony – A Devilish Tale.

The bold performance was followed by a very experimental live improvisation from some of the areas most talented musicians, giving people a greater understanding of experimental composition techniques and some insight into synesthesia (a condition in which one sense-for example, hearing-is simultaneously perceived as if by one or more additional senses such as sight).

Joined by the wonderful Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir, we were overwhelmed by the audiences response.

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported the world premier launch of ‘Teacup’– a musical adaptation of the award winning picture book by Rebecca Young. Music Book Stories Inc. performed the 40 minute multi-artform work at the State Library of Western Australia as part of the Perth Fringe Festival.

Click here to purchase the DVD

“Ian and I attended the Friday premiere of, “Teacup – One Boy’s Story” with my son and his family and a friend and her little girls. It was an extraordinarily well attended event with overflow on the balconies and all. Could you pass on to Rebecca and her team and all those involved in the production our congratulations for a wonderful event. The whole production was nigh on perfect, a wonderfully evocative score, beautifully rendered by all those involved, with the screen rendering of the pictures as the story wound on providing the glue which ensured all senses were involved. All should be justly proud. The little ones I was with (except for the 2 year old and he is forgiven) were riveted through the whole event.”

Margaret Nowak – Chair, State Library of Western Australia

We would love your support

Music Book and all of the artists involved in the performances of Teacup at the State Library of WA in January 2017 (provided free to the public), would greatly appreciate your support.

The score for Teacup has taken intensive months to write, there are many hours of practice going into the performance of the work by the musicians, not to mention all of the background organisation to get a project like this off the ground.

How you can help

• Donate now through the Australian Cultural Fund (all contributions are appreciated)
• Come along and see one of the free performances. For dates and details click here.
• Spread the word to your friends and family 🙂

Thanks so much.