Obscure Orchestra: Companions*
ABOUT THE SHOW
*WORLD PREMIERE
Join award-winning ensemble Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra, guest-vocalist Erin Fitzsimon (aka INIGO), and composers Jodie Rottle, Hannah Reardon-Smith, and Saro Roro as they explore companionship through music.
Together, they present new alternative pop and experimental works that position disability and queer friendship at the forefront. These musical companions endeavor to make this a sensory friendly event for performers and audience members alike. It features music arranged in ways that carefully consider the accessibility requirements of the performers, including light, motion, ensemble volume through instrumentation, and physical accessibility. These elements become companions, or friends, that shape compositional process and collective music making.
Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra is a DIY anti-racist ensemble underpinned by community-minded inclusivity, comprising of 20+ BIPOC, First Nations, disabled, non-binary and trans artists. Challenging the pomp and formality of classical orchestras, Obscure Orchestra is regarded as one of Australia’s most respected ensembles.
This show is Auslan interpreted, proudly supported by the Dalwood-Wylie Foundation
PERFORMANCE TIMES
7.30 PM – DOORS
8.00 PM – OBSCURE ORCHESTRA
ACCESSIBILITY WALKTHROUGH
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Two-time Queensland Music Award-winning ensemble, Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra, is a curious world of intricately crafted experimental music, made with world instruments and rethought everyday objects.
Beginning as Matt’s solo multi-instrumental offbeat tinkerings, Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra has grown to be one of Australia’s most respected ensembles. Challenging the pomp and formality of classical orchestras, they are a DIY anti-racist ensemble underpinned by community-minded inclusivity, comprising of 20+ BIPOC, First Nations, disabled, non-binary and trans artists.
Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Erin Fitzsimon (she/her) is a charming and vivacious performer. Combining her jazz training with alternative pop and new soul, Erin is also the creative force behind INIGO – a vivid and passionate endeavour with enrapturing results. INIGO has previously supported LANKS, Willow Beats and The Cactus Channel, in addition to much-lauded appearances at Valley Fiesta, Brisbane Festival, Bleach* Festival, Soulfest and Maroochydore Music and Visual Arts Festival.
Jodie Rottle (she/her) and Hannah Reardon-Smith (they/them) are composers, flutists, researchers, and two best friends. Members of the Obscure Orchestra, Jodie and Hannah write and perform music in experimental contexts exploring everyday objects, electronics, and the extended flute. Together, they are unstoppable companions.
This production is proudly supported by the Creative Sparks Grant Program, an initiative of Brisbane City Council in partnership with the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
VENUE
TICKETS
DURATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Suitable for ages . No haze or strobe lighting. Quiet space available. Earplugs available. Wheelchair accessible.
Auslan performance Fri 8 Mar
