Bush Gothic

Summer Concert featuring Bush Gothic

When: Sunday 6th December 2020 3PM
Where: Ledger Gallery
Price: $27 members / $30 non-members

This concert is supported by Dr Geraldine Lazarus and Mr Greig Gailey
Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in association with Benalla Art Gallery

Continuing a proud history of music concerts at the Gallery, Benalla Art Gallery is partnering with Melbourne Recital Centre to present a wonderful series of seasonal performances in 2020. Each concert has been selected to resonate with the Gallery’s program of exhibitions.

Benalla Art Gallery’s Summer Concert features Bush Gothic. Within the Bennett Gallery touring exhibition Experimenta Life Forms, contemporary artists wrestle with the definition of ‘life’ at a time when technological change and new research findings are making it increasingly difficult to pin down. Similarly, by adapting and subverting classic Australian folklore songs, Bush Gothic highlight that in our modern world the representation of the ‘Australian identity’ is also difficult to define.

About Bush Gothic

Murder, sadistic commanders, cross-dressing gold diggers, gay bushrangers and bizarre rituals. Australian history – boring? Not at all. H.G. Wells based The War of The Worlds upon this beautiful yet dangerous island. Extremes of emotional behaviour were displayed by coloniser and convict alike as they battled with their mental states away from the governing authorities. Bush Gothic’s mission is to keep Australian folk culture breathing, building upon traditions stretching back hundreds of years from the IONA (Islands of the North Atlantic). These ancient cultures have deep connections to land and offer us archetypes and guidance as we listen to those whose land has been stolen. Bush Gothic has been invited to perform at some of the world’s most happening festivals including Mona Foma, Festival #6 (Wales) and R.I.F.F (India). U.K. magazine fRoots chose The Natural Selection Australian Songbook as runner up for the 2016 Album of the Year and it was also awarded one of BBC Magazine‘s Best World Music Albums. The band has followed this up with a new album, Beyond the Pale, released in May last year. Band leader Jenny M. Thomas began her career as a classical violist and it is to the subtlety and emotional depth of strings that she turns to when arranging the old traditional songs.

‘The outfit changing the face of classic Australian folklore songs. Bush Gothic’s interpretations of classic Australian folk songs sear with power and truth. Completely respecting the original songs, whilst providing a unique and eloquent rendition … Australia’s own Bush Gothic is incomparable.’ Forte Magazine

Bookings essential:

Tickets available via Gallery reception, or
T 03 5760 2619, or
gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au

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