Melbourne pianist/composer Gemma Turvey leads her
exciting chamber ensemble The New Palm
Court Orchestra on tour to Sydney and Canberra at the end of April, giving
premiere performances at the Sydney Opera House’s famous Utzon Room and The
Great Hall at University House in Canberra.
Fresh from launching their stunning new album Landscapes for a Mind’s Eye, these
concerts will feature music from their new CD, as composed by the NPCO’s
Artistic Director, pianist/composer Gemma Turvey.
Gemma established The New Palm Court
Orchestra in 2011 as a natural extension of her
jazz piano trio; providing a broader canvas for her evocative compositions.
The NPCO is a core of nine players,
lead by Gemma on piano who brings together musicians from classical, jazz and
world disciplines for this ensemble. Their album Landscapes for a Mind’s Eye also features accomplished soloists
Craig Beard on vibraphone, singers from Ensemble Gombert and a rare performance
of Uilleann pipes. Many of the musicians also play regularly with the Melbourne
Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.
Landscapes for a Mind's Eye is Gemma’s
third commercial release, and first featuring the NPCO. The album is as the name suggests - a collection of
beautifully crafted musical landscapes designed to transport and inspire the
listener. They launched the album with a stand out concert at the Melbourne
Recital Centre Salon during the 2012 Melbourne Fringe Festival. Along with the Sydney and
Canberra performances, the NPCO also have a string of Queensland dates set for
later in the year.
“We’re
all really looking forward to taking the music on the road this
year,” says
Gemma. “I’m especially excited to be
bringing the NPCO to Sydney and Canberra for the first time.”
Palm Court Orchestras were popular
in the 1920's and 30's for playing light instrumental music in an intimate
setting. The NPCO injects this seductive format with a new and fresh vitality,
delivering a stunning, rich palette of beautifully evocative original music.
Proudly sponsored
by Ben Aulich & Associates, Aulich Civil Law and Stones of the Yarra
Valley. Supported by Latitude Travel.
Performance Summary
7:30pm Friday 26th April SYDNEY
Sydney Opera House
- Utzon Room
Tickets $45/$35
Phone 02 9250 7777
7:30pm Saturday 27th April
CANBERRA
The Great Hall,
University House
1 Balmain
Crescent, Acton, Canberra
Tickets $45/$35
