Music To Brighten-up Light Walk

MEDIA RELEASE
24 May 2009

MUSIC TO BRIGHTEN-UP LIGHT WALK

A series of free and ticketed after dark concerts at The Con will provide a special opportunity
for people "walking on the wild side" of the inaugural Smart Light Sydney Festival's Light
Walk.

The Con's Songlines installation is an integral part of the Light Walk route, which will lead
participants from Observatory Hill, through The Rocks and Circular Quay, up to The Con and
then onto Sydney Opera House nightly from this Tuesday 26 May until 14 June.

The program of performances, starring nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians,
students and young virtuosos, will range from mini recitals to major works.

The recitals will be held in The Con Music Cafe, adjacent to Songlines, from 6pm. They will
include emerging opera singers, three jazz sessions, a strings recital and two percussion
sessions.

The opening event (27 May) will feature Sopranos Anneke Wynne and Celeste Haworth.

Highlight performances include:

29 May: The Con Symphony Orchestra (in the Verbrugghen Hall) playing Strauss's
Salome*

1 June: Cocktail Hour Concert The Great Clarinet (Francesco Celata), held in the
Recital Hall West*

6
June:
LICHT will see musicians perform, for the first time in Australia, extracts from
the controversial electronic orchestral music of German composer Karlheinz
Stockhausen. Performances throughout the day in all venues.*

9
June:
Percussion Quartet (Daryl Pratt, Andrew Chan, Josh Hill, Anna Zeltzer),
String Quartet and Omphalo Centric Lecture (Nigel Westlake).

12 June: Sopranos Ali Manifold and Anna Dowsley and pianist Christopher Nazarian.

*Bookings essential. Tickets available from Reception

Using low energy LED lighting, Songlines fits the requirements of the "smart" light art works
forming the Light Walk, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors during festival time.

Songlines, a 10 metre high and five metre round cylinder, will alternate shades of red, blue,
yellow and green light treatments each evening.





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It was created as part of the Conservatorium's Open Day in March, and emanates musical
sounds as prevailing winds "caress" three giant Aeolian Harps acoustically placed inside the
structure.

It was officially opened by the NSW Minister for the Arts, The Hon Virginia Judge, and the
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore MP.

Songlines, created by Sydney architect Joe Snell, was inspired by Bruce Chatwin's
interpretation of Indigenous Australian's ancient invisible pathways told in song. Joe is also
contributing another artwork to Light Walk, co-created with Mary-Anne Kyriakou and located
within Customs House.

Dean and Principal, Professor Kim Walker, said: "The Con is where music is made and
nurtured, so we are thrilled to provide a special program of concerts for the public to help
brighten what is already a spectacular festival.

"Having Songlines as part of the route is a real treat and those participating can expect to
hear some outstanding performances from our finest musicians and singers along the way.

"The cafe recitals will allow people to take a break, get a snack and have a drink."

Full details of The Con's Concert Program is available at www.music.usyd.edu.au

Smart Light Sydney is a core component of Vivid Sydney, a major showcase of concerts
and other live music, new technology, nightscapes, symposia and exhibitions.

Media inquiries to Scott Saunders, at The Con, on 02 9351 1298, or Graham Cassidy,
Cato Counsel, 0419 202317





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