Boombox

Boombox
The Australian Voices, Artistic Director: Gordon Hamilton. Devised by Jacob Ballard, Sam Boyd, Jenna Coda and Gordon Hamilton. Brisbane Powerhouse. 1st November, 2015

The Australian Voices are worthy of a mention in a theatre magazine like Stage Whispers because, though being a choir, the whole creative interplay is far more than just a standard concert; it's more like 'music being set to verse', rather than the traditional vice-versa, a theatrical experience from a choir who can also predominantly act. Additionally we can also see and hear how even the spoken word, amidst other sounds, can expand the mind to appreciate the infinite possibilities and versatilities of the human voice-box. All these sounds, even if not sung, are still 'music' in their own right and a continued demonstration of all those composers and academics, particularly in the last century or so, who have experimented with a myriad of the elements around us, from Mother Nature in her full glory, man-made machines, sounds in suburbia to what lies in the 'cosms', and so on.

In a nutshell, this is musical entertainment in a dimension of its own, with an abundance of colourful stagecraft, personality and simply a touch of magic. Poetry in motion.

And then there's just the music: exquisite unconventional harmonies cleanly executed, rhythmic persuasions all at times turning unexpected corners into a fascinating new world that still teeters on the organic: an almost surreal experience all performed with clarity and enthusiasm including choice of repertoire, program order and general presentation from a team we need to see more of.

Starting with Lisa Young's superb rhythmic opus Other Plans we are taken on this captivating journey through a selection of some of the great local contemporary composers of vocal works, Isabella Gerometta, Nigel Butterley and Musical Director Gordon Hamilton, in an animated performance as conductor and team 'actor', including a demonstration of his own remarkable talent as a composer and arranger. Look at Lights On-Off, Dialup or even Rap Battle. I think most of us admire a contemporary dig-in-the-ribs: how about an aural interpretation of a political cartoon found in the daily. Hats off to Rob Davidson's works Not Now, Not Ever and Total Political Correctness. There was even reference to the medieval chants of Hildegard von Bingen and some poignant choral singing reminiscent of a traditional concert.

But what put the cap on this memorable night of tight, well-rehearsed kaleidoscopic pizzazz was its intrinsic entertainment value. The audience were plainly moved: laughing, musing, pondering, reflecting, the list goes on.

I was crying out for more.

Brian Adamson

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