QPAC's Newest Ensemble In Residence Presents Unique Sonic Palette At Premiere Concert

JADE New World Collective, the newest ensemble in residence at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), will reveal a sonic palette of ancient and contemporary sounds at their premiere concert in the Cremorne Theatre on Tuesday 26 February 2019.

JADE New World Collective is made up of four musicians, each hailing from unique cultural heritages and music disciplines - Indigenous didgeridoo musician David Williams, Japanese koto master Takako Haggarty Nishibori, Nepalese tabla virtuoso Dheeraj Shrestha and Australian guitarist Dr Anthony Garcia.

Six months of improvisation, collaboration and conversations in QPAC's rehearsal studio will culminate in JADE's first concert, Crystal Moonlight.

Audiences can expect an uplifting performance of original compositions and free flowing improvisations weaving Indigenous Australian music with western classical, traditional Asian and contemporary Brisbane soundscapes into a moving, musical journey.

For the February concert, JADE will collaborate with three special guest artists, master of the khaen (traditional Thai reed mouth organ) Pongsaporn Upani; leading Carnatic music vocalist Charulatha Mani, who has a huge fan following in India; and Brisbane-based alternative-pop singer songwriter Noralyn, who draws comparisons to the likes of Kate Bush and Tori Amos.

Guitarist, composer, educator and JADE New World Collective Artistic Director, Dr Anthony Garcia has performed and collaborated across styles and cultures through Australia, Thailand, Japan, China, Europe, Mexico and the United States.

David Williams, a proud Wakka man, didgeridoo performer and classically trained pianist, is passionate about educating and encouraging wider understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture through music.

Takako Haggarty Nishibori, founder of Koto Brisbane, brings the sounds of classic and contemporary Japan alive through the mastery of her ancient Japanese instrument, the koto.

Born in Nepal and now calling Brisbane home, acclaimed tabla performer Dheeraj Shresthra is recognised as one of Australia's greatest percussionists.

Dr Anthony Garcia explains that through shared friendships and collaboration, new sounds and a contemporary Brisbane story has emerged.

"Music has the capacity to create and share new ideas, uplift, heal and ignite new perspectives," said Dr Garcia.

"The musicians of JADE New World Collective are connected by a unique essence and energy. Our cultural traditions, instruments and connections to the physical landscape intertwine to create an ancient yet contemporary sound reflective of the urban environment where we live in Brisbane.

"We are immensely grateful to QPAC for the opportunity to collaborate, improvise and experiment with freedom to enable us to create these new sounds."

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said JADE New World Collective is an example of bringing different arts disciplines and cultures together to create new work.

"JADE has created a captivating musical response to the evolving landscape of our city," said Mr Kotzas.

"The cultural traditions of each artist come together in a synchronized melody and harmony, reflecting contemporary Queensland stories on QPAC's stage."

Don't miss JADE New World Collective in their premiere concert at QPAC on Tuesday 26 February 2019. Tickets are on sale, for bookings go to qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.

This is a partnership initiative of Brisbane City Council BrisAsia Festival.