Gemma Turvey to Lead New Palm Court Orchestra at Melbourne Recital Centre, July 31

The New Palm Court Orchestra will feature Artistic Director, pianist and composer Gemma Turvey and special guest Craig Beard (Vibraphone) on 31 July at 6.00pm Melbourne Recital Centre, Salon.

Orchestra (NPCO) for a vibrant concert of colour and warmth in their second concert as part of the Melbourne Recital Centre's Mood Indigo Series for 2014.

Beard is a mesmerizing performer and improviser, best known for his work with Melbourne jazz ensemble Frock. He also featured on The New Palm Court Orchestra's acclaimed album Landscapes for a Mind's Eye; contributing his dynamic playing to Turvey's composition Turquoise.

The NPCO is a nine-piece chamber orchestra, founded by Melbourne pianist and composer Gemma Turvey and featuring some of Melbourne's best jazz, classical and improvising musicians. This collaboration with Beard follows on from their outstanding start to the year, hosting multi Grammy Award winning American cellist Eugene Friesen for his Australian debut with concerts in Melbourne and the Sydney in March.

"Everyone is still incredibly inspired from working with Eugene Friesen and we can't wait to take to the stage with Craig," says Turvey.

NPCO Artistic Director Gemma Turvey describes Beard as Melbourne's answer to Milt Jackson, iconic jazz vibraphonist and contemporary of such jazz greats as Miles Davis and John Coltrane. "Craig has a beautiful lyricism and individuality to his playing, as well as being incredibly virtuosic."

This concert will showcase new compositions for the NPCO composed by Gemma Turvey during her time at the famous Bundanon Artist Residency in April this year. Thanks to this incredible opportunity she was able to compose five new works for NPCO and a Children's Suite scheduled for performance in 2015/16. Gemma says she was deeply moved by the generosity of Arthur and Yvonne Boyd's vision to create an artist retreat on their property.

For more information on The NPCO, visit www.npco.com.au.

DETAILS:

Thursday 31 July 6pm Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre

Tickets $30 full / $25 concession

Book Online melbournerecital.com.au

Phone 03 9699 3333

Concert running time approx 60mins

Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Sotto Voce Music as part of Mood Indigo (Discover Mood Indigo, the Centre's jazz stream at melbournerecital.com.au/indigo)