Tasmanian ensemble the Lutruwita Art Orchestra (LAO) played to Moonah Arts Centre on October 5, the second performance of Songs That We Carry which premiered at Junction Arts Festival in Launceston in September.
The LAO formed in early 2023 as a semi-professional ensemble of musicians from diverse backgrounds who collaborate and create through improvisation.
“We are creating a new sonic culture that is intricately tied to this beautiful island we call home through the diversity of lived experience, instrumentation and musical cultures within our ensemble,” LAO Artistic Director Stevie McEntee said.
Songs That We Carry weaves together an exploration of music to which each member of the orchestra has deep connections.
These songs are sourced from childhood, folk traditions, poems, or original compositions and speak to landscapes, ideas and ancestral culture. They are woven into a rich musical tapestry that opens a window to other worlds, other lives and the infinite possibilities of connectedness.
The LAO’s instrumentation spans the globe to create a unique sound world – from instruments of western classical orchestras, jazz and rock bands, to electronica, folk and Persian setar. Combined with smooth vocals and ancient rhythms – it’s solace for the ears in strange times.
The LAO will now tour Songs That We Carry regionally with the support of Creative Australia’s Contemporary Music Touring Program.
· Queenstown at the Memorial Hall on Thursday, October 24
· Wynyard at the Watershed on Friday, October 25
· New Norfolk at the War Memorial Hall on Sunday, October 27
Tickets are available via the LAO website or Facebook events on Humanitix.
