Announced today, on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 July Melbourne Recital Centre presents a series of curated live music experiences to slow down, recharge and reflect. In a sonic exploration of reflective, thoughtful and meditative music, across two days of aural delights at Melbourne Recital Centre.

On Friday 8 July, Jaadwa songwriter James Howard presents Ancestral Redux exploring his family history and the stories that have shaped his life. Interweaving a series of lyric centric songs, this performance shares a narrative of cultural reclamation, as well as expansive, semi-improvised instrumentals that reflect James’ reconnection to Jaadwa Country.

On Saturday 9 July, Sanctuary Suite features an incredible array of artists, with audiences encouraged to drift in and out of the program as they feel, engaging with the space and wide-ranging soundscapes. Artists featured in the Sanctuary Suite program include:
• The inimitable Lady Lash builds intoxicating ambience through sultry vocals, poetic rhymes and haunting sonic sequences. Both a Kokatha and a Greek woman living in Australia, she is influenced by the two ancient cultures.
• Zoe Knighton is one of Australia’s most sought after cellists. Known for her profound sensitivity and intimate rapport, her performances boast impressive artistry with breathtaking ease.
• Nick Tsiavos is a bassist and composer whose work traverses the intersections of cultural boundaries – from deconstructed 6th century chant to contemporary minimalism and experimental improvisation; and from church to pub to concert hall.
• Mindy Meng Wang and Paul Grabowsky offer a rare combined listening experience exploring life and shared emotions. Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2022 Artist in Residence Mindy Meng Wang is a versatile Chinese/Australian composer and performer, masterfully trained on the traditional Chinese instrument, the guzheng. Paul Grabowsky is an ARIA-award winning jazz composer and pianist and former Artist in Residence.
• Nat Bartsch and Luke Howard will explore their shared affinity for collaboration in a graceful journey into the world of two pianos. Nat Bartsch occupies the space between classical and jazz with warmth and tenderness. Luke Howard captivates audiences with compositions that capture moments of beauty and nostalgia.

Ancestral Redux and Lady Lash were programmed by Neil Morris aka DRMNGNOW. Neil is a proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri, Ngurai Illum Wurrung man and a creative through mediums of song, sound and word. He explores decolonial content, Indigenous rights and Culture and is driven by aspirations of First Nations Liberation and Sovereignty.

On Friday 8 and Saturday 9 July, Audience of One presents an otherworldly opportunity to experience the sound of a solo instrument as a solo audience member. Only a small handful of audience members will have the unique opportunity to venture backstage and experience a brilliant soundscape as an Audience of One. A deeply personal, spellbinding experience that requires an open mind and a leap of faith.

Sanctuary is an escape from the brisk winter weather where audiences can bask in the warmth and nurturing ambience of live music. A time to reflect, connect and submit to the ethereal magnetism of music.

Limited tickets to this unmissable series of events are available from 11am, Friday 6 May via melbournerecital.com.au