Fresh Water – Salt Walter (2022) (60’-70’) UK Premiere

A suite of 4 works, collectively composed by Helen Svoboda, Peter Knight, Martin Ng, Aviva Endean, Daniel Wilfred, David Wilfred, Mandhira de Saram and Cath Roberts

Fresh Water – Salt Water is a bilateral collaboration between the Australian Art Orchestra (AAO) and hcmf// to commission and present four new works by Australian and UK composers performed in both countries.

The ensemble features Yolngu traditional songmen, David Wilfred and Daniel Wilfred from Arnhem Land (NT), along with an ensemble of leading Australian musicians in creative collaboration with British composer/performers Mandhira de Saram and Cath Roberts.

As part of the UK/Australia Season the project will present a diverse vision of contemporary Australia, in collaboration with next generation artists from the UK. Cross-cultural, contemporary, and unclassifiable in terms of genre, this is a project that breathes daring and optimism – the qualities we need for a post-COVID future.

For the last 25 years, the Australian Art Orchestra has achieved an unparalleled record of musical projects that express the energy of Australia’s cultural diversity. Fresh Water – Salt Water builds on this legacy and creates an unprecedented meeting of musical cultures. Departing from the extraordinary practice of the Yolngu people, it creates an artistic space that is both ancient and cutting-edge. Fresh Water – Salt Water will project an image of UK/Australia relationships as diverse, savvy, and forward-looking. It presents a contemporary vision enriched by a cross-pollination of cultures and showcases an ensemble that is diverse in age, gender and cultural backgrounds. It both celebrates ancient traditions and bravely builds a contemporary canon of musical works.

Produced by hcmf// supported by British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of UK/Australia Season 2021-22; also supported by Australia Council for the Arts and Creative Victoria