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Classical virtuosity collides with avant-garde innovation.

Three ground-breaking artists converge for a layered, meditative, and otherworldly performance that sees classical virtuosity collide with avant-garde innovation. Join us in an unforgettable evening as these trailblazing artists perform back-to-back sets in an event not to be missed.

Mary Lattimore

Sublime LA-based harpist and composer Mary Lattimore returns to the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall stage and transports listeners to a lush realm of expansive and dreamy soundscapes that ‘evoke seismic emotional shifts’ (The New Yorker). With a career spanning a decade that has seen her release universally acclaimed album, Silver Ladders, and collaborations with artists such as Sigur Rós, Thurston Moore, and Sharon Van Etten, witness Lattimore’s boundary-pushing artistry as she transforms her spectacular concert grand harp into a stunning meditative experience through effects pedals, loops, synths, and guitar.

Performing her new album Goodbye, Hotel Arkada, which features luminaries Lol Tolhurst (The Cure), Meg Baird, and Rachel Goswell (Slowdive), these six sprawling pieces celebrate and mourn the bittersweet beauty of the ephemeral. Produced over the course of two years, the material remains rooted in improvisation while glistening as the most refined and robust in Lattimore’s catalogue. As one of today’s preeminent instrumental storytellers, she has ‘the uncanny ability to pluck a string in a way that will instantly make someone remember the taste of their fifth birthday cake’ (Pitchfork).

Benjamin Skepper

The evening begins with internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist  Benjamin Skepper,  as he returns to the stage to perform a new mix of electroacoustic compositions, building on his much awaited 6th album release, Praeludium y Fuga, this November.

Following sold-out shows at Melbourne Recital Centre, Moscow Conservatory, and Phoenix Central Park during Vivid this year, Skepper is charting new territory in the field of modern classical ambient electronica, with a spotlight on his love for the piano. Always pushing the boundaries of experimentation with cutting edge sound design and new technology, this multi-sensory and mesmerising performance is a rare opportunity to catch the artist in his native environment.

Eric Avery

Then, step into uncharted sonic territory as Eric Avery, Kabi Marrawuy Mumbulla, a violinist, vocalist, and composer from the Ngiyampaa, Gumbangirr, Bandjalang, and Yuin people of NSW, take audiences on an evocative journey through music and culture. Connecting both Western and Australian Aboriginal worlds, Eric’s foray into neo-classical violin with Aboriginal voice is a testament to the diverse cultures that have shaped his distinct sound. Working with his family’s custodial songs, Eric has captivated audiences at TEDxSydney, Bluesfest, and Phoenix Central Park with his haunting compositions which often feature him singing in the Ngiyampaa language. Delving into the liminal space between old and new dreaming ~ MARRATHALPU, Eric evokes the ancestors in this powerful performance.

Experience Guide

See three visionary classical artists redefine tradition.
Hear evocative, meditative, and otherworldly soundscapes.
Think about how these classically trained artists push the boundaries of experimentation.
Feel entranced and awe inspired as the music evokes introspection and meditation.

Caring for Our Community

Melbourne Recital Centre is committed to the safety of our artists, staff and patrons. A range of public health, hygiene and physical distancing measures are currently in place. Click here to learn more.

Artists & Set Times

Artists

Mary Lattimore harp with Paul Sukeena guitar
Eric Avery violin
Benjamin Skepper piano, electronics, cello

Set Times

7.30pm: Benjamin Skepper
8pm: Interval
8.20pm: Eric Avery
8.50pm: Interval
9.10pm: Mary Lattimore