Finals

The final concert was a big one, long and plenty of performers and tunes.  It was called Mulanggari and was heavy on first nations themes.  First up was Stiff Gins with our mates Dudok and Kevin Hunt, perhaps others.  SG are entrancing, inviting, singing songs with gloriously correct voices and lyrics that I didn't catch, but I fully expect are worthy, bridging Euro and Aboriginal languages and themes.  Jonathan Zwartz had a role in developing, writing or orchestrating some of this.  A relaxing outing for our Dudok accompanists.  Then an interval a country, sometimes dissonant , often double stopped Ben Ward bass solo piece written by Brenda Gifford. And a ecstatically driving piece for three percussionists by Holly Harrison.  The players were Claire Edwards, Veronica Bailey and Niki Johnson and the piece was wonderfully powerful and rocky with a kick drum and a huge pleasure.  Then a larger group for Wadhu (skin), composed by Brenda Gifford and the solo played by Claire Edwards at Verity Lane earlier in this festival.  As I remember this featured violin Veronique Serret and didjeridoo William Barton.  Then another larger work, Burruguu (time of creation), by Nardi Simpson.  And a final work, again by Nardi Simpson and arranged by Jonathan Zwartz and Roland Peelman, with the further addition of Luminescence Chamber Choir.  The stage just keep growing.  Then a final few words, of thanks to Roland for a great third decade of CIMF and off to chat and drink outside the hall.  The final party, especially for CIMF staff and volunteers and performers and various associates is a well loved ending for the festival.

The final concert of Canberra International Music Festival this year featured first nations, European, reconciliation and related themes.  Works by Nardi Simpson, Holly Harrison and Brenda Gifford (composers) plus perhaps others were played by a cast of musicians featuring Claire Edwardes, Ben Ward, Stiff Gins Artist Stiff Gins Nardi Simpson and Kaleena Briggs (vocals), Luminiescence Chamber Singers (choir), Roland Peelman (piano), Kevin Hunt (piano), Dudok Quartet Amsterdam, Ellery String Quartet, Veronique Serret (violin), William Barton (didjeridoo) and more.