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A soundscape that condenses several million years of shifting Tectonic forces as the first complex life form on earth emerged. This is Primordial, a unique merging of science and sound.

PRIMORDIAL is a visceral listening experience that re-enacts the shifting of tectonic plates to form the Flinders Ranges, a journey through time to the first sign of life on earth with the appearance of the Ediacara fossils. The sonic world of PRIMORDIAL reflects the immense landscape of the Ediacara Fossil field on the edge of the Australian desert. Composer Constantine Koukias imagines the sound of shifting tectonic plates through manipulated piano preparations and electronics to create cascading waves of sound. The piano as we know it is reinvented, its resonance reflecting a haunting, fragile sound world. Gabriella Smart pounds and caresses the piano, cajoling beautiful and extraordinary prepared sounds that are symbiotic with Koukias’ electronic score.

Piano: Gabriella Smart

Music: Constantine Koukias (AUS/NETH)

Tape Sound Design: Mischa Duncan te Pas

Lighting Design: Jason James

Touring Sound & Light Operator: Daniel Pitman

Image: Ben D Woods

"Koukias' sharp and at times fragile music miraculously reflected this vast landscape on the edge of the Australian desert"
— Thomas Tamvakos, Archive of Greek Composers, 2020

Program

We save the biggest party for last, with a multi-venue celebration of art, music and ideas. For one night only, MAAD will take over your favourite venues, galleries and laneways in the northwest corner of the CBD. Featuring a closing DJ set from The Avalanches, live music, exhibitions, cinema and light installations, MAAD brings out the best in the west with a party to remember.

WHEN

Sat 31 July

WHERE

Nexus Arts

Lion Arts Centre, North Terrace

Get directions

TICKETS

General
$25.00

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair Access

Nexus Arts is fully wheelchair accessible.

EVENT NOTES

Duration

50 mins