From Sorrowing Earth Concert Set for Iwaki Auditorium

Internationally acclaimed concert pianist, Zubin Kanga, is returning to Melbourne to perform in a tribute to one of Australia's greatest living composers, Nigel Butterley A.M.

Australian-born and based in London, Mr Kanga will perform as guest soloist with the Arcko Symphonic Ensemble in From Sorrowing Earth: A symphonic celebration of Australian composer Nigel Butterley A.M. on Saturday 31 October at the Iwaki Auditorium.

The concert, From Sorrowing Earth, takes its name from Butterley's 1991 symphony and celebrates his extraordinary contribution to Australian music, as well as his 80th birthday this year.

Presented in partnership with ABC Classic FM, the free concert will feature Zubin Kanga performing with the Arcko Symphonic Ensemble, which comprises more than 60 virtuoso musicians from across Melbourne, with conductor, percussionist and Arcko founder, Timothy Phillips.

The 2-hour program includes From Sorrowing Earth, a new concerto for piano and orchestra by Elliott Gyger especially commissioned for this concert, and Butterley's award-winning radiophonic work In the Head, The Fire.

'We're delighted to welcome Zubin Kanga back to Australia to perform with us,' Mr Phillips said. 'It's a great honour to be joined by a musician of his calibre and reputation, and his performance speaks volumes about the importance of Nigel Butterley's work both here and overseas.

'We're also honoured that Elliot Gyger has written a concerto for piano and orchestra especially for this occasion.'

Mr Phillips established the Arcko Ensemble in 2008 after studying and performing in Europe, dedicating it to performing large-scale and rarely-heard contemporary Australian orchestral works. In this vein, Mr Phillips said From Sorrowing Earth has not been performed since 1991 and the Prix Italia-winning In The Head, The Fire premiered in 1966.

'We specialise in bringing new life to older works, introducing new Australian repertoire, and welcoming new audiences into the exciting and vibrant world of modern orchestral music,' he said.

The Arcko Ensemble features more than 60 virtuoso Melbourne musicians from diverse backgrounds and age groups, two-thirds of whom are women. It has quickly forged a formidable reputation for delivering original, memorable and creative concerts, which in turn is helping to attract soloists of Zubin Kanga's calibre.

Among the ensemble members are:
• Cellist Caerwin Martin, founding member of Arcko and of the Silo String Quartet;
• Clarinet player Karen Heath, also an Arcko founding member, who has worked with leading international ensembles and performers including three-time Grammy award winning cello player Eugene Friesen;
• Oboist Ben Opie, a young musician who has already won international acclaim and awards, and is in high demand as a tutor and expert leader in his field;
• Violinist Susan Pierotti, who has commissioned, performed and recorded contemporary music for more than two decades and has toured with one of Australia's foremost contemporary classical ensembles, Elision, since 1986; and
• Leading Australian harpist, Jacinta Dennett, whose work is recognised for its rare fusion of poetry and physicality.