The 2008 Canberra International Music Festival (7 – 18 May) promises something for music lovers of all ages and tastes.
CIMF 2008 will be the biggest event to date with more than 30 concerts, free performances, a street party and artist talks. The festival will conclude with a huge marathon finale concert from on Sunday 18 May (11am – 6pm) at The Street Theatre.
In the spirit of similar kinds of events held in cities around the world, the marathon will feature music for all tastes. People can come for one session, or come and go as they please.
One of the highlights for 2008 will be a series of new music concerts, Sounds Alive ’08, programmed by guest Artistic Curator Lisa Moore.
This cutting-edge series includes many international performers, visiting Australia for the first time: Don Byron and the Ivey Divey Trio (USA), Iva Bittova (Czech Republic), So Percussion (USA), The Crash Ensemble (Ireland). Hilarious New York cabaret trio, Polygraph Lounge, presents a short season of their virtuosic and satirical musical commentary.
Festival artistic director Nicole Canham said, “We wanted to create a festival for the diverse range of people who enjoy live music in Canberra.
“I’m delighted that we are commissioning a significant number of new works, that we can offer fantastic programs in partnership with national institutions, and that our education program this year will be the biggest in the event’s history,” she said.
A free concert experience for all primary school students in Canberra is being offered as a part of the CIMF’s growing education program, with thousands of children expected to attend concerts in National Institutions, including the National Library of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive.
New partnerships have been forged with the Street Theatre, the National Film and Sound Archive and the National Museum of Australia, as well as the continuation of several other key partnerships with the National Library of Australia, The National Gallery of Australia, Old Parliament House and the Australian National University School of Music.
A street-party at the National Film and Sound Archive featuring CeLL, a shipping container filled with MIDI instruments that can be ‘played’ with and composed for by members of the public. The Street Party features musicians, playing MIDI guitars and drum kits, joined by laser artist Robin Fox for an evening of grooving and music making.
Highlights of new works to be premiered include a piece for a cabaret event at the National Film and Sound Archive centred on Felix the Cat, and Tiger look at this: The Canberra Cantata to be composed by local cabaret performer/songwriter Peter J. Casey.
Other highlights are The Keating Tangos, a concert presented in partnership with Old Parliament House, featuring guest speakers and commentators with Elena Kats-Chernin at the piano, providing a commentary on traditions of leadership and government in Australia.
The Spinifex Campfire performances, presented in partnership with the National Film and Sound Archive, open a dialogue about Australia’s past and look towards a future in which white and indigenous Australian’s might have a shared sense of pride.
For more information, please visit the Festival website at www.cimf.org.au or call (02) 6230 5880.
