Overview
For those who are completely ignorant when it comes to classical music (me), it is often difficult to determine the specific performer of said music. To me, it all largely sounds the same. Beautiful. But very similar. However that is not the case with the Blackbird Ensemble. The group pride themselves on producing holistic musical experiences. The resulting music contains amazing energy and includes extra musical elements that are integrated into their sound in order to enhance the thematic content of the songs.
Their critically acclaimed performances include The Duino Elegies, By the Sea and The Ballet Banquet, each of which received favourable feedback from their vast audiences. And now Claire Cowen, director and composer of the Ensemble, is responsible for directing and arranging the group's latest musical endeavour 'Into the Wilderness.'
The production is a show of classical music unlike any classical performances seen before. The orchestra play the role of blackbirds, who are both magical and rough around the edges, and they take audiences on a journey through the four seasons and into the wilderness. The flock includes the NZ National performer of the year Amalia Hall, and vocalist Jessie Cassin who you may remember from 'The Dedwoods'. The group has collaborated with the Celery Productions team, incorporating both Ella Mizrahi and Celia Harrison to further develop their strange and wonderful sound.
Into the Wilderness features a 20 piece string orchestra and an elaborate set design. It is based on Max Richter's 'Four Seasons Recomposed' in which he remixed and modernised Antonio Vivaldi's Baroque piece into a fully immersive, upbeat violin performance.