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Popular songs from 17th Century England and Scotland, recontextualised by lutruwita/Tasmania's musical historians.
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Songs of the Sea
Presented by Van Diemen's Band, Theatre Royal & Theatre North
Songs of the Sea
Oceans are vast, deep and mysterious. Their waters contain more than simply salt and marine life. For all of humanity’s existence they’ve sustained our bodies, swallowed them whole and carried people vast distances to foreign lands. Oceans connect us and keep us apart. Floating on the swell of an ocean’s turbulent seas are grand, lyrical narratives that are forever evolving – stories, myth and song.
Steering the audience through Songs of the Sea is Mikelangelo (Michael Simic of the folk quintet, Mikelangelo and The Black Sea Gentlemen) – a raconteur, salt-crusted storyteller and bittersweet bard. In his deep baritone, Mikelangelo explores the heart’s stormy reaches; indulges in absurd overboard shanties; and catches secrets freed from the sea’s breaking tides. Shipwrecked sailors, bewitching mermaids and wily fishermen are all characters in Mikelangelo’s songbook.
Joining Mikelangelo are Van Diemen’s Fiddles; and the internationally renowned folk artists Luke Plumb and Dave McNamara on mandolin and accordion. Together they draw on maritime folk music styles, experimental and classical composition to evoke in song the salty smack of open water.
Songs of the Sea has grown from a collaboration between Mikelangelo and Van Diemen's Band at the 2023 Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
"Mikelangelo is one of the great showmen of the Australian indie music scene.”"
— Patricia Karvelas, ABC Radio National
Welcome to our special guest artists in each community!
We're so excited to be welcoming special guests onstage for this program, joining forces with local choirs and singing groups in each town that we're performing in:
nipaluna/Hobart - The Stranded Wailers
Triabunna - Maria Voices
Launceston - Choir in the Pub
pataway/Burnie - Crescendo Choirs
Queenstown - The Queenie Quior
Partners
| Vocals and host | Mikelangelo |
| Artistic Director & Violin | Julia Fredersdorff |
| Violin | Rachel Meyers |
| Viola | Katie Yap |
| Mandolin | Luke Plumb |
| Piano Accordion | Dave McNamara |
This project was made possible by the Australian Government Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia. This project was assisted through the Strategic Touring Fund, an initiative of the Tasmanian Performing Arts Centres. |
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| PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT | Mikelangelo - Emily Day Van Diemen's Fiddles - Jonathan Wherrett |
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Old Reinlender from SØnndala - Trad. Norwegian arr. Danish String Quartet Siren Song - Michael Simic arr. Rachel Meyers Boat of Dreams - M. Simic arr. Meyers Hooks & Fish - M. Simic arr. Meyers Da Full Rigged Ship - Trad. Shetland arr. Meyers Farewell to Nigg - Duncan Johnstone Starry Eyed Boy - M. Simic Mermaid Song - M. Simic Captain O’Kane - Turlough O’Carolan Boat of Dreams - Instrumental version Am I a Sailor? - M. Simic arr. Meyers The Hunt - M. Simic arr. Meyers Ribers No. 8 “Sterrands Rand” - Trad. Danish arr. Danish String Quartet The Parting Glass - Trad. Scottish Set Sail - M. Simic arr. Meyers Download or view the full program here. |
Event and ticketing details
Date & Time
| Ian Potter Recital Hall (The Hedberg) |
Sat 23 March 3.00pm, 7.00pm |
| Spring Bay Mill, Triabunna |
Sun 24 March 3.00pm |
| Princess Theatre, Launceston |
Mon 25 March 6:00pm |
| Burnie Arts Centre |
Tue 26 March 7.30pm |
| The Paragon Theatre, Queenstown |
Wed 27 March 6.00pm |
Tickets
| Launceston, Triabunna, Burnie, Queenstown - Full | $45.00 General Admission |
| Launceston, Triabunna, Burnie, Queenstown - Concession | $38.00 General Admission |
| Launceston, Triabunna, Burnie, Queenstown - Child (12 and under) | $25.00 General Admission |
| Triabunna, Burnie, Queenstown - 30 Under 30 | $30.00 General Admission |
| Triabunna, Queenstown - Wheelchair/Limited Mobility Seat | $38.00 |
| Triabunna, Queenstown - Companion Card Holder | Must be booked with Wheelchair Seat |
| nipaluna/Hobart - Full | $55.00 Reserved Seating - choose your preferred seat |
| nipaluna/Hobart - Concession | $45.00 Reserved Seating - choose your preferred seat |
| nipaluna/Hobart - 30 Under 30 / Industry Allies / Student Members | $30.00 Reserved Seating - choose your preferred seat |
Location
Accessibility
Event notes
nipaluna/Hobart Performances
Please note - you can choose your preferred seat for these performances at The Hedberg. You have the option of flat-floor seating with direct entry (no stairs involved) or tiered seating (stairs involved). The sound is equally good throughout the venue but this option is being offered to ensure all our audience members are comfortable accessing different parts of the venue.
Duration
60 minutes no interval
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