Details

‘An audacious rollercoaster of emotive highs and lows, signifying a fresh flowering of optimism following dark times.’ – Rhythms Magazine

Experience the evocative and transformative music of acclaimed pianist and composer Nat Bartsch. As Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2024 Artist in Residence, her music defies genres, seamlessly blending post-rock, ambient, impressionist, jazz, and neoclassical music to create distinctly beautiful and cinematic soundscapes that speak to people from all walks of life.

Commissioned by ABC Jazz in 2021 for International Women’s Day, Busy/Quiet is a heartfelt ode dedicated to the hard-working women and musicians who demonstrated remarkable resilience during the pandemic. Powerful and passionate, with a driving minimalistic feel that reflects her inimitable compositional style, Busy/Quiet was awarded Best Jazz Work at the 2023 APRA Art Music Awards. Nat will also perform songs from her quartet albums, Forever More and Hope Renewed, as well as premiere a new companion piece to Busy/Quiet as it explores our post-pandemic world.

Join us for an intimate evening of unparalleled musical storytelling as Nat Bartsch and her quartet take listeners on a captivating journey, exploring the contradictions, tensions, challenges, and joys of our collective experience.

Launched in 2017, Melbourne Recital Centre’s Artist-in-Residence program is a key part of the Centre’s commitment to supporting innovation and inclusion in music.

Melbourne Recital Centre’s Artist in Residence program is generously supported by The Vizard Foundation.

Praise for Nat Bartsch

‘Regardless of genre, Bartsch has an astonishing ability to construct feeling and movement within her compositions.’ – The Saturday Paper

‘The magical transformation of the music which Bartsch has achieved through a new vision should not be underestimated. 5 stars.’ – The Weekend Australian

‘The originals from Hope exquisitely re-painted with extraordinary musicianship and sensitivity.’ – Fine Music Magazine

‘We can’t help feeling that this is an artist who has really understood the power of Shakespeare’s words “to thine own self be true”.’ – A Closer Listen

‘Hope Renewed is an album to be embraced and treasured.’ – Textura

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

Nat Bartsch piano, electronics
Robbie Melville guitar
Tamara Murphy double bass
Maddison Carter drums

Series

This production is part of the following series: