Internationally-renowned Australian pianist and composer, Chris Cody, alongside his all-star band featuring some of the country’s finest jazz musicians, will present Astrolabe, Suite for La Pérouse at Riverside Theatres in August.
A powerful musical journey, Astrolabe is inspired by French navigator Jean-Francois de La Pérouse’s voyage to Australia on the ship, L’Astrolabe, in 1788. Pérouse arrived in Botany Bay only six days after the First Fleet and vanished just weeks after leaving Australian shores.
Cody’s work draws upon jazz, classical and diverse world music influences to take audiences on a vibrant and exciting musical odyssey. It delves into differently imagined times, cultures and places to celebrate discovery and adventure spanning the globe.
The concert also features actor Simon Wilton (Melbourne Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre, Belvoir) reading extracts from the ship’s journal. These moving, first-hand accounts from La Pérouse reveal an insight into the voyage, his thirst for knowledge, and first contact with Indigenous people. The Astrolabe Suite experience is further enhanced by superb visual elements including projections of the ship, sea and skyscapes by renowned photographer and art director Paul Faure-Brac.
With: Chris Cody composition and piano, Lachlan O’Donnell violin, Matt Ottignon saxophone, bass clarinet and flute, James Greening trombone and didgeridoo, Tom Avgenicos trumpet, Emily-Rose Sarkova accordion, Lloyd Swanton bass and Fabien Havia drums and percussion.
What: Astrolabe – Suite for La Pérouse
When: 3pm on 11th August 2019
Tickets: Adult $47, Concession $42. Available now at https://riversideparramatta.com.au/show/astrolab-suite-for-la-perouse/ or from the Box Office (02) 8839 3399. Discounts available for Riverside Theatres’ Members. Transaction fees: phone $4.60, web $3.60 and counter $2.60.
Where: Riverside Theatres – corner of Church and Market Sts, Parramatta